Jordan Mason takes sting out of Christian McCaffrey's injury absence
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers are without Christian McCaffrey on Monday night versus the Jets, but Jordan Mason is making the most out of his opportunity.
In an ideal world, the San Francisco 49ers would be fielding the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, running back Christian McCaffrey, in their Week 1 opener on Monday Night Football against the visiting New York Jets.
But McCaffrey was ruled out because of a nagging calf and Achilles injury that bothered him during training camp and the preseason.
The Niners already experimented with McCaffrey's primary backup during the preseason, third-year pro Jordan Mason, who impressed enough during the exhibition phase to earn the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
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Despite San Francisco falling behind early, Mason showed he can be relied upon if McCaffrey wasn't available.
Jordan Mason impressing early for 49ers vs. Jets
The 49ers went 3-and-out on their opening drive but managed to engineer a nine-play, 37-yard drive thereafter, and Mason was a big reason why.
Through the first quarter, Mason rushed for 24 yards on four carries, averaging 6 yards in the process.
Needless to say, the Niners will need more of this kind of performance to maintain their offensive prowess against a tough Jets defense over the rest of Monday night. While having McCaffrey on the field would be a best-case scenario, Mason is at least doing his part to alleviate the absence.
Hopefully for San Francisco, that trend will continue.
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