SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jordan Mason’s long-awaited moment as a starting running back arrived under less-than-ideal circumstances, but he certainly made the most of it on Monday night.
With star running back Christian McCaffrey sidelined by injury, Mason stepped up to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets. Mason rushed for a career-high 147 yards on 28 carries and added a touchdown, showcasing his readiness and skill despite the challenging circumstances.
“I’ve been working all of training camp for this moment, and I’m blessed to be able to play today and show it,” Mason said after the game.
The timing of Mason’s start was somewhat unclear. During a post-game interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, Mason mentioned he might have learned about his starting role “maybe Friday night.” However, Coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that no definitive decision was made until game day.
McCaffrey, listed as questionable on the injury report throughout the week, was declared inactive just 90 minutes before kickoff due to persistent calf and Achilles injuries. Shanahan explained that McCaffrey’s condition was a game-time decision, noting that while McCaffrey participated in practice, he was still experiencing discomfort.
“It was on and off throughout the week,” Shanahan said. “He was able to practice but was always bothered by it. Today, it was bothering him a little too much, so we decided to keep him out.”
Mason’s performance was impressive, especially considering he had previously never exceeded 11 carries or 69 yards in a game. His 28 carries marked the most in a regular-season game for the 49ers since Shanahan took over in 2017, and his 147 rushing yards were the fourth-most in a season opener by an undrafted player in NFL history.
Mason’s rise from undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech to a key player for the 49ers has been marked by consistent improvement. His teammates, including left tackle Trent Williams, noted his readiness and maturity despite being a backup for much of his career.
“He’s always ready for his opportunity,” Williams said. “He came in, closed a lot of games for us, and ran tough. He earned everybody’s respect.”
As the 49ers prepare for their next game against the Minnesota Vikings, the status of McCaffrey remains uncertain. Shanahan will monitor McCaffrey’s condition throughout the week and make a decision based on how he feels.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and the next day,” Shanahan said. “If he feels good, he’s ready to go. If he’s not feeling great, we’ll reassess.”
Should McCaffrey remain sidelined, Mason has proven he can step up and deliver, ensuring that the 49ers have a reliable option in the backfield.