San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was a late scratch before their 2024 season opener against the New York Jets. The team officially declared he won’t play rough 90 minutes before kickoff due to a calf injury. However, Jordan Mason proved that the absence of the reigning Offensive Player of the Year won’t be a concern by delivering a career game.
Mason dominated the Jets offense with 29 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown and added a five-yard catch. Those numbers translate to 22.2 fantasy football points in points-per-reception (PPR) mode. However, it remains to be seen if he will be a viable option in the coming weeks, as McCaffrey could return as early as Week 2.
Jordan Mason tonight:
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2024
29 touches
152 yards from scrimmage
1 touchdown pic.twitter.com/I15yMNUnVS
While Mason was instrumental in the Niners’ 32-19 victory over the Jets, the team’s handling of McCaffrey’s injury could merit an investigation from the league office. In the post-game press conference, Mason knew that he would start against New York as early as Friday night. However, the 49ers reported McCaffrey will be inactive only 90 minutes before the game.
The NFL could bestow some fines against San Francisco if they deemed the team mishandled McCaffrey’s injury. However, the spotlight should be on Mason because he was excellent against a team with Jermaine Johnson, Javon Kinlaw, and Quinnen Williams as defensive linemen.
Mason was consistent throughout the game, tallying 74 rushing yards in the first half and 73 in the second. He scored his touchdown in the third quarter. Whether Mason or McCaffrey gets the starter’s nod, the 49ers will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
-Lance Fernandez
