Following a 28-18 defeat to the Chiefs in Week 7, the San Francisco 49ers now hold a 3-4 record for the season. So far in 2024, the team has not been able to secure back-to-back wins. Star running back Christian McCaffrey has been absent due to an Achilles injury but is anticipated to return early in November.
Despite McCaffrey’s absence in the last seven games, backup running back Jordan Mason has played in all seven matches, starting in six of them. His 667 rushing yards this season rank second only to Derrick Henry’s 873. Although Mason has performed well as the starting RB for the 49ers, he has been struggling with injuries himself. In the victory against the Seahawks two weeks ago, Mason sustained an AC joint sprain. He has been limited in practice this week, but Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network expects him to play against the Cowboys in Week 8.
Week 8 Could Mark the Last Start of the Season for Jordan Mason with the 49ers
From @GMFB: While #49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is out, the #49ers could have two key skill players on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/YXawbbzl1i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2024
During the 2022 NFL draft, RB Jordan Mason went undrafted out of Georgia Tech. He later signed with the 49ers, where he has remained for the past three seasons. Mason has appeared in 40 games for San Francisco, starting in six of them, all during the 2024 season in McCaffrey’s absence. The 25-year-old running back has accumulated 667 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 127 carries. He has also contributed with 10 receptions for 86 yards, showcasing his versatility on the field.
In Week 6 against the Seahawks, Mason suffered an AC joint sprain after carrying the ball only nine times. Despite attempting a return, he was limited in his playing time. Third-string RB Isaac Guerendo stepped in and had 10 carries for 99 yards. Mason did play in the game against the Chiefs in Week 7, but was limited to 14 carries. Earlier in the season, he was averaging close to 23 rushing attempts per game. It is speculated that head coach Kyle Shanahan might be trying to prevent Mason from sustaining a long-term injury, considering the team’s initial struggles at the RB position this season. The 49ers will be hosting the Cowboys at home in Week 8.
