Jordan Mason could face serious production drop in Week 10 vs. Buccaneers

The days of Jordan Mason leading the 49ers' charge on the ground are likely over, but he'll potentially be even more limited in Week 10.

The San Francisco 49ers getting All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey back from injury is a massive boost for the offense.

Not only will the reigning Offensive Player of the Year add his dynamic dual-threat abilities to the equation, but he'll also help solve what's been an ongoing issue for head coach Kyle Shanahan this season: the red-zone offense.

Despite McCaffrey's season-long absence leading up to his likely Week 10 debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Niners have still managed to deliver a potent offense, including one on the ground, thanks largely to third-year pro tailback Jordan Mason.

Mason, who was the NFL's No. 2 leading rusher not long ago, is averaging 85.6 yards rushing per game this season. While he's not quite the dual-threat weapon at McCaffrey's level, Mason's emergence as a force has helped keep San Francisco's offense afloat in many ways.

McCaffrey's return understandably cuts into Mason's projected production and value. But it's not the only reason why the latter winds up being something of a potential non-factor in Week 10.

Jordan Mason might not see much of the field in Week 10 vs. Buccaneers

It'd be one thing if Mason was fully healthy in light of McCaffrey's return, giving Shanahan at least two proven running backs to attack the Bucs defense.

But that's not the case.

Mason has been nursing a shoulder injury over the last few weeks, one that forced him to be limited in practice leading up to Sunday's contest despite the 49ers coming off their bye. As a result of that lingering shoulder issue, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo has emerged as yet another potential weapon on the ground.

Factoring both the shoulder injury and McCaffrey's return, it's understandable why Mason might end up starting the game as RB3 behind the All-Pro and the rookie.

"They can both help on special teams," general manager John Lynch told KNBR 680 of Mason and Guerendo. "They can both help on offense. You'll still see plenty of those guys."

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The Niners are likely to limit McCaffrey's touches on Sunday, opening up the door for both Mason and Guerendo to get more opportunities.

That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see Guerendo surpass Mason in the pecking order behind McCaffrey, at least for one week while Mason is afforded the chance to rest up and heal.

San Francisco kicks off against Tampa Bay on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.

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