49ers injury news vs. Commanders: Jordan Mason questionable to play

The 49ers may going to be thin at running back for their Week 16 home bout against the Commanders, namely with Jordan Mason questionable.

It’s certainly a good thing the San Francisco 49ers are coming off their mini-bye week after having defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 15, as the recent wave of injuries could have potentially been more challenging if head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad didn’t have the few extra days of rest.

On one hand, the Niners’ Week 16 home matchup against the Washington Commanders should be one of the more winnable games on the schedule, and this factors in San Francisco’s extra rest.

However, considering how a 7-6-1 Washington team could be in desperation mode while clinging to one of the final Wild Card spots in the NFC playoff picture, it makes sense why the 49ers will treat this game seriously.

Especially with the No. 2 seed up for grabs and the Niners in hot contention for it.

It sounds as if Shanahan will only rest players for this game if they’re dealing with significant injuries, so one might assume San Francisco won’t be cruising over these final three games on the regular-season schedule despite having clinched the NFC West already.

That said, the Week 16 injury report is notable enough, and it could potentially impact the 49ers’ rushing attack.

49ers injury report vs. Commanders: Jordan Mason (hamstring) is questionable

The Niners’ Week 16 injury report is as follows, and there are some notable concerns there:

• QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot): OUT
• WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee): OUT
• DL Kevin Givens (knee): OUT
• RB Jordan Mason (hamstring): Questionable
• CB Charvarius Ward (concussion): Questionable
• DB Tarvarius Moore (knee): Questionable
• DL Kerry Hyder (ankle): Questionable
• CB Ambry Thomas (ankle): Questionable

Read More: 49ers vs. Commanders: Betting odds, prediction for Week 16 game

Garoppolo and Samuel remain out but not on injured reserve for procedural purposes, and Samuel might be returning soon anyway despite his serious scare in Week 14.

San Francisco’s defensive line depth is questionable, too, with Givens and veteran defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (on injured reserve) out, meaning Hyder’s return will be beneficial.

However, one might wonder the most about Mason being out, considering how he has emerged as something of a “closer” in support of the 49ers’ No. 1 running back, Christian McCaffrey.

Mason, who is averaging 6.6 yards per carry on 33 attempts this season, has primarily seen work in the latter portions of games when opponents’ defenses have been worn down.

With Samuel already out, too, the depth behind McCaffrey could be seriously tested if Mason isn’t able to go either.