Despite missing their star running back, the 49ers’ ground attack didn’t lose a step, thanks to the efforts of third-year player Jordan Mason. Filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason carried the load with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging a solid 5.3 yards per play.
Whether this performance highlights Mason’s individual talent or showcases the effectiveness of running behind All-Pro tackle Trent Williams in Kyle Shanahan’s dynamic offensive system is up for debate. Regardless, Mason’s contributions earned him well-deserved recognition.
Still, the 49ers’ offense isn’t quite the same without McCaffrey, who brings a unique combination of skills both as a runner and a receiver. The three-time First Team All-Pro remains one of the league’s most versatile and dangerous offensive weapons, making his absence felt throughout San Francisco’s playbook.
The team was understandably concerned when initial reports suggested McCaffrey might miss more time than expected. However, according to Underdog NFL, recent updates provide a more optimistic outlook.
Christian McCaffrey Back at Practice, Could Return for Week 2?
Before getting too excited, it’s essential to remember that practice doesn’t guarantee game-time action. But head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that if it had been a playoff game, McCaffrey likely would have played, indicating the injury might be more manageable than feared. For Niners fans, any sign of progress, especially when dealing with a potentially serious Achilles issue, is welcome news.
Further lifting spirits, McCaffrey himself expressed confidence in his recovery. Speaking with ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the standout back made his mindset clear:
“My mentality is that I’m playing this week. That’s where I’m at. That’s how I approach every game. As soon as a player starts thinking, ‘Maybe I’ll play, maybe I won’t,’ that’s not the right mindset. So for me, I’m ready to go.”
Even if McCaffrey is 80-85% fit, the 49ers may still opt to play it safe. With a Week 2 matchup against Minnesota on the horizon—where they’re favored by five points—risking further injury may not be worth it. Especially when Mason’s strong showing has proven that the team can still thrive in McCaffrey’s absence.