Jordan Mason’s journey with the San Francisco 49ers has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as an undrafted rookie in 2022, Mason faced significant challenges. At that time, the 49ers had invested heavily in running backs through third-round picks in consecutive drafts. Despite the competition, Mason has proven his worth and become a pivotal player for the team.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasizes that player performance outweighs draft status or prior accolades. This philosophy led the 49ers to part ways with their previously drafted running backs, Trey Sermon and Ty Davis-Price, opting instead to rely on Mason. While Sermon now serves as a backup for the Indianapolis Colts and Davis-Price is on the Eagles’ practice squad, Mason has firmly established himself with the 49ers.
Mason’s breakout moment came in the season opener against the New York Jets. He made a strong impression with a career-high 147 rushing yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to the 49ers’ 32-19 victory. This performance was notable not only for its impact but also for the sheer volume of carries Mason handled—28 in total, the highest number for a 49ers running back under Shanahan’s coaching.
Shanahan noted that Mason’s ability to follow instructions and adapt his play style has been crucial. Although Mason initially struggled to balance aggression with patience, he has grown into his role, demonstrating both his natural running talent and an improved understanding of the game. This development comes after a less prominent college career, where Mason’s performance was overshadowed by other talents, including Jahmyr Gibbs.
As Mason continues to impress, he has moved up the depth chart, filling in for injured players such as Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. His strong performance in the opener highlights his value and the 49ers’ decision to trust him in a key role. With Mason’s continued contributions, the 49ers are well-positioned to benefit from his growing impact throughout the season.
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