Jordan Mason injury can prompt 49ers to trade for former running back

The San Francisco 49ers have had to deal with a lot of injuries at the running back position this season.

That is why it could make sense to trade for a familiar face in the Miami Dolphins' Raheem Mostert to strengthen the running back corps.

Let's go over the injuries the Niners have had at running back. Their star player and 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, has not played at all this season due to tendinitis in both of his Achilles. The 49ers also lost McCaffrey's primary backup from last season, Elijah Mitchell, for the entire season before it even began due to a hamstring injury.

Jordan Mason was the man who had to step up, and step up he did. In Week 1 against the New York Jets he ran the ball very effectively and currently only trails the Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry in rushing yards among all NFL running backs.

However, Mason sustained a shoulder injury in Week 6 in San Francisco's win over the Seattle Seahawks. Thankfully, his sprained AC joint should not cause him to miss significant time, and he has practiced this week already but was in a non-contact jersey.

In Mason's stead, rookie Isaac Guerendo emerged as a potential replacement as he impressed with his 76-yard run that iced the game against the Seahawks. His performance reminded some of Mostert.

It may not be the worst idea to bring Mostert back via trade.

At his best with San Francisco, Mostert was absolutely dominant on the ground. Who could forget the 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns he had against the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFC Championship game?

Of course, that was four years ago and Mostert is now 32 and has his own lengthy injury history. He has already missed several games this season for Miami. He had a solid performance in his last game against the New England Patriots, though. He rushed for 80 yards on 19 carries as he was the primary back with De'Von Achane out.

Achane appears primed to return soon and is clearly the primary back in the Dolphins offense. That is why it could make sense for the Niners to bring Mostert back as an extra layer of security if Mason deals with more injuries or in the doomsday scenario in which McCaffrey is not able to suit up and play all season.

If we have learned anything this year, it is the importance of having contingency plans at running back.

Trading for Mostert would be a smart way to add some depth as the 49ers enter a tough stretch of their schedule.

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