49ers fans woke up on Monday morning under the impression that their all world running back Christian McCaffrey would be in the backfield for the season opener against New York at Levi’s Stadium later that evening. Fast forward just over 24 hours, and the immediate future of No. 23 is far less clear. Niners fans didn’t wake up Tuesday filled with despair, however. Far from it. The defending NFC champions took care of business and then some on Monday, thumping the Jets largely thanks to the groundwork of Mccaffrey’s replacement.
Jordan Mason had a career night, running like a back with twice his experience. He toted the rock an astonishing 28 times and racked up 147 total yards. The 28 carries are the most by a running back under Kyle Shanahan. Not only was Mason’s production vital to beating the Jets, it showcased the 49ers’ rock solid insurance plan that could hold them over for as long as Christian McCaffrey needs.
Rather ominously, it seems as though McCaffrey’s absence might be longer than just this week. Or next. A sore calf has morphed into what Kyle Shanahan called “Achilles tendinitis,” a designation that is usually not as nasty as it sounds but one that certainly breeds caution. He hasn’t been placed on IR while the Niners mull over options. One sentiment seems to prevail amongst fans: Don’t rush McCaffrey back under any circumstance, especially not with Mason running the way he did Monday.
Tim Ryan made his first of his three weekly appearances on KNBR Monday morning. He joined Murph and Markus and was quick to heap praise upon Mason, even gracing his effect on the stadium with a signature nickname. Mason Madness.
Catch the full Tim Ryan interview here:
A final thought. Jake Moody was perhaps the only 49er who had a better performance than Jordan Mason in the season opener. The second year former third round pick out of Michigan was spotless and pristine in the season opener. He drilled all SIX of his field goal attempts and was perfect on extra points. After a rookie season that featured some lows, Moody turning into an elite leg would be a massive win for the 49ers in 2024.
