San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason suffered a first-quarter injury that eventually led to him departing Week 8 just before halftime. What happened to Mason, and what’s his current injury status?
What Happened to 49ers RB Jordan Mason in Week 8?
Mason initially appeared to suffer an injury on the 49ers’ second drive. He stayed down on the field after a first-down run and didn’t play for the rest of the series.
Mason re-appeared for San Francisco’s next offensive drive, running the ball three times on the series before the Niners were stopped on downs.
Rookie RB Isaac Guerendo handled San Francisco’s backfield work on the club’s fourth and final drive of the first half. Mason didn’t play a snap on that drive and was spotted jogging to the locker room just before the end of the second quarter.
The 49ers subsequently announced Mason is questionable to return with a shoulder injury.
#DALvsSF @DignityHealth injury update: Jordan Mason (shoulder) is questionable.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers)
The former undrafted free agent initially suffered a shoulder injury in San Francisco’s Week 6 win over the Seattle Seahawks. While he played in Week 7, Mason was limited in practice leading up to the game and again during Week 8 practices.
Mason entered Week 8 with 667 rushing yards, second-most in the NFL behind only the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry.
Fantasy Impact of Mason’s Injury
San Francisco will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 before going on bye in Week 9. On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested CMC would likely start practicing after the 49ers’ bye.
“It’s not this week, so hopefully, it will be next week,” Shanahan said.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that not only will McCaffrey likely begin practicing heading into Week 10, but the star RB is also expected to play when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that week.
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)
With McCaffrey back, Mason will become a handcuff — albeit one of the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy football.
While the 49ers could conceivably limit CMC’s workload as he gets back into the swing of things, they’re also fighting for a playoff spot. Even a win on Sunday night would only bring them to 4-4, putting Brock Purdy in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
In other words, San Fran needs McCaffrey. Mason has been outstanding on the ground, but the 49ers’ offense is clearly missing CMC’s pass-catching prowess.
You’re not cutting Mason. McCaffrey’s lengthy injury puts Mason squarely in the “one injury away” caliber of potential fantasy RB1s. But if CMC stays healthy for the rest of the season, Mason won’t be in your starting lineup.
