Clear-cut studs, duds from 49ers preseason win over Vikings

49ers stud: Running back Jordan Mason

San Francisco had a bit of a mixed bag with its running back room against Minnesota.

Rookie running back Tyrion Davis-Price lacked the decisiveness early in the game before finishing with some strong runs to help rectify his own stock value, while second-year pro Trey Sermon was nursing an ankle injury and managed only 8 yards on five carries, plus the one dropped would-be reception.

With Jeff Wilson Jr. and Elijah Mitchell also out, the 49ers’ biggest star on the ground was undrafted free-agent rookie Jordan Mason.

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Granted, Mason saw the bulk of his carries primarily in the second half, going up against defenders who’ll likely not make the Vikings’ regular-season roster.

Still, Watching Mason rush for 57 yards on nine carries, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt in the process, is a good sign despite the second-half preseason context.

The Niners may consider keeping as many as five tailbacks on their 53-man roster simply due to the injury attrition at the position, and if Mason finishes up his rookie-year preseason campaign with these kinds of efforts, it might be tough for Kyle Shanahan to leave him off the group.