With Christian McCaffrey out, Jordan Mason was a revelation. He is one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Can the San Francisco 49ers get similar production from their third running back on the depth chart? Maybe they should find out.
Mason got off to a good start on Thursday night when he was tackled and immediately grabbed by the shoulder. He lay there for a while while athletic trainers tended to him. Mason went back to the locker room and the 49ers said he was doubtful to return with a shoulder injury.
Not many teams have a rock-solid third running back option on the roster, although the 49ers scheme seems to make everyone better. Rookie Isaac Guerendo is behind Mason on the depth chart. He’s an athletic fourth-round pick but had just 41 career yards before Thursday. Patrick Taylor Jr. stands behind Guerendo. He hadn’t had a carry all season before Thursday. Deebo Samuel Sr. also snaps at tailback, but the 49ers wouldn’t want to turn him into a full-time tailback.
The 49ers might have missed McCaffrey in a few ways, but Mason had replaced most of his production. He was second in the NFL in rushing yards after five weeks, behind only Derrick Henry. Mason had 536 yards, over 100 yards more than any back other than Henry.
McCaffrey has been out of every game this season due to a calf/Achilles injury. He is expected to return sometime this season. If Mason’s injury is serious, there will be more urgency to get McCaffrey back.
