When the San Francisco 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey, they envisioned a dynamic offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, the hallmark of Shanahan’s system has always been elevating unknown or undrafted running backs to success—players like Jordan Mason. On Monday night, with McCaffrey sidelined due to a calf injury and Eli Mitchell on injured reserve, it was Mason’s time to take center stage, and he seized the moment.
Mason, an undrafted free agent, had the best game of his career in his first NFL start. Against a strong New York Jets defense, he rushed for 147 yards and scored a touchdown on 28 carries, leading the 49ers to a commanding 32-19 win. The victory was a testament not only to the team’s depth but also to Mason’s preparation and determination.
So Jordan Mason knew he was starting on Friday?? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/gg1cosNZoi
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 10, 2024
Curiously, Mason revealed in a postgame interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he wasn’t aware of his starting role until late in the week. “I found out maybe Friday, Friday night, something like that,” he said. Despite the late notice, he was ready to perform—much to the frustration of fantasy football managers scrambling to replace McCaffrey.
Though Mason stole the spotlight, the 49ers’ success was a collective effort. Deebo Samuel Sr. shared backfield duties and added a touchdown of his own, while tight end George Kittle made critical plays. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who started off slow, found his rhythm as the game progressed. He connected with fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a 34-yard catch, setting up Mason’s touchdown early in the third quarter. From that moment, the Jets never recovered.
San Francisco’s defense, one of the best in the league, also dominated. They shut down Aaron Rodgers in his return after a long absence due to injury, holding him to just 167 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Rodgers’ mistake in the third quarter—a tipped pass intercepted by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles—sealed the Jets’ fate.
Even without McCaffrey, the 49ers showcased their ability to dominate, thanks in part to players like Mason, who stepped up when the opportunity arose.