Jordan Mason is a massive 49ers X-factor in the making

The 49ers haven’t quite deployed him as much as they could have, but rookie Jordan Mason could end up being yet another hidden-gem find.

Running back Jordan Mason, who weighs in at 223 pounds and is an inch shy of 6-foot, was invited to San Francisco 49ers training camp in 2022 as an undrafted talent.

Over 260 players were selected before the Georgia Tech product eventually signed with the Niners, including his rookie teammate and newly promoted starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, at No. 262 overall.

However, Mason did enough during camp and in the preseason to cement a spot on the 53-man roster.

San Francisco just has to deploy him a bit more, as he’s shown promise and prowess in limited action.

Prior to Week 15, Mason has shown some value as he has rushed for an average of at least 5 yards an attempt in his two previous games. His largest gains in each game were an 18-yard scamper against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a 19-yard rush against the Miami Dolphins.

Jordan Mason shows his prowess for 49ers in a big gain vs. Seahawks

That Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks proved to be interesting.

Against Seattle, Mason had only four rushing attempts, but his longest was a 55-yard run that nearly went for a touchdown but nevertheless iced the game for the 49ers:

Mason has cleared more than 50 yards in each of his last three games to complement the Niners run game, led primarily by All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.

Depth in the backfield has been key, as a different leading rusher for San Francisco has emerged in each of the last five seasons under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Yet, none of those running backs have surpassed 1,000 yards in a season.

The midseason McCaffrey transaction has led to the 49ers winning their last seven contests, yet the season has also seen running back Elijah Mitchell hit with multiple injuries and missed games, and that is in addition to the departure of Jeff Wilson, Jr. via trade.

Related Story: Jordan Mason can get a chance to shine with Elijah Mitchell sidelined

Mason is not only needed in diversifying the Niners offense but also in maintaining its depth in this position to feature a multiple-running back scheme.  However, he has yet to be implemented in the 49ers’ passing offense as Mason has not recorded a single reception this season.

With injuries and setbacks to Mitchell, as well as wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the Niners may be calling upon the undrafted rookie more often if they want to return to (and win) the Super Bowl.

In just his first year, Mason may be the X-factor that San Francisco needs.