In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers have announced that running back Jordan Mason will be placed on injured reserve after sustaining an ankle injury. This news comes as a major blow to both Mason and the 49ers, as the young running back had begun to carve out a more prominent role in the team’s potent offense.As the 49ers continue to aim for playoff contention, the absence of Mason raises several questions about the team’s backfield depth and how they will adjust moving forward. With the 2024 season in full swing, Mason’s injury presents an opportunity for others to step up in his place, but it also highlights the precarious nature of relying on multiple running backs throughout the season. Here’s what this injury means for both Mason and the 49ers as they navigate the road ahead.
Jordan Mason’s rise through the ranks of the 49ers’ backfield was one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 season. After going undrafted in 2023, the former Georgia Tech standout was signed by the 49ers and impressed during the offseason and training camp. His powerful running style and ability to read defenses quickly made him a perfect fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme under head coach Kyle Shanahan. By the start of the 2024 campaign, Mason had firmly established himself as a reliable option in the running back rotation.
Mason’s combination of size (6 feet, 220 pounds) and speed had made him a versatile threat. Whether it was as a bruising runner to gain tough yardage in short-yardage situations or as a capable blocker in the passing game, Mason showed that he could contribute in various facets of the offense. His role seemed to be expanding as the season wore on, especially in games where the 49ers were looking to rotate fresh legs into the backfield while keeping defenses on edge with different looks.
With Mason in the mix, the 49ers had the luxury of not having to rely solely on their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, to shoulder the load. Mason’s ability to handle a significant number of carries without a noticeable drop-off in production made him a vital cog in the offense. But now, with his ankle injury, the 49ers find themselves without one of their key contributors.
The timing of Mason’s injury is especially concerning for the 49ers. As one of the NFC’s top teams, San Francisco is gearing up for what is expected to be a tight playoff race, and injuries could derail their Super Bowl aspirations. While Mason may not have been the primary back, his absence means the 49ers will need to rely even more heavily on their remaining running backs.
First and foremost, all eyes will turn to Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey has been one of the league’s most dynamic players since his arrival in San Francisco, and with Mason sidelined, his workload is likely to increase even further. The 49ers have used McCaffrey in a multitude of ways, from running between the tackles to lining him up as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to do it all is unparalleled, but as the focal point of the offense, McCaffrey will need to stay healthy and productive throughout the remainder of the season.
Elijah Mitchell, the team’s backup running back, now faces a major opportunity. A former starter for the 49ers, Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance, but injuries have kept him from being a consistent presence in the lineup. Now, with Mason out of the picture, Mitchell will likely see a more substantial role. His speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field can help balance the 49ers’ running game, but he will need to stay healthy and demonstrate that he can handle a larger workload. If Mitchell can return to his 2021 form when he rushed for over 900 yards as a rookie, it would significantly ease the burden on McCaffrey and maintain the offensive balance the 49ers desire.
Additionally, the 49ers could look to their depth chart to find a solution for Mason’s absence. The team currently has a few lesser-known running backs, such as Tyrion Davis-Price, who may be called up to fill the void. Davis-Price, a second-year player out of LSU, has yet to make a significant impact but offers a different skill set than Mitchell or McCaffrey. His size and downhill running style could be used situationally, especially in short-yardage situations.
While the loss of Mason is a tough break for the 49ers, it’s important to note that the team has built depth at running back for situations just like this one. Over the years, the 49ers have experienced a series of injuries to their running backs, and they’ve learned to adapt accordingly. In fact, this season, the 49ers have one of the deepest backfields in the league, with McCaffrey, Mitchell, and others capable of stepping up in a pinch.
Still, losing Mason will force Kyle Shanahan to adjust his offensive game plans, particularly in games where the 49ers may need to rest McCaffrey or ease the burden on Mitchell. While McCaffrey has been a true workhorse for San Francisco, the 49ers are likely to want to keep him fresh for the playoffs, where his versatility could be even more of an asset.
One thing is certain: The 49ers have been built to withstand injuries. Their success this season has come from a well-rounded approach, including strong contributions from the running backs, the offensive line, and quarterback Brock Purdy, who has continued to impress. But now, the focus will shift to making sure that other players step up and fill the gaps left by Mason’s absence.
Looking Ahead: Mason’s Recovery and Future in San Francisco
While the injury is undoubtedly frustrating for Jordan Mason, there is hope that he will make a full recovery and return to the 49ers’ backfield stronger than ever. The 49ers will place Mason on injured reserve, which means he will be sidelined for at least four games. Depending on the severity of the ankle injury, there’s the possibility that he could be cleared to return later in the season, especially if the 49ers make a deep playoff run.
Mason’s future with the team remains bright, as he’s shown a lot of promise in his limited time on the field. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—whether as a runner, blocker, or even a pass-catcher—means that the 49ers will likely continue to value him when he returns. With the uncertainty surrounding Mitchell’s health and McCaffrey’s workload, Mason could emerge as a key contributor in the postseason, adding yet another dynamic to the 49ers’ already high-powered offense.
Jordan Mason’s injury is a tough break for both the player and the 49ers, but it’s also an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion. The team’s depth at running back, including the versatile McCaffrey and the capable Mitchell, will help ensure that the 49ers can weather this storm. As Mason works toward a full recovery, all eyes will be on how the 49ers adjust their backfield rotation and continue to pursue their championship aspirations.