Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Jordan Mason stepped up for the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
With reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey ruled out due to calf and Achilles issues, Mason was tasked with leading the 49ers’ rushing attack against the New York Jets.
He didn’t disappoint, utilizing a physical running style to break through tackles and rack up yards after contact. At the end of the night, he picked up a career-high 147 yards on 28 carries to go along with a touchdown. The 49ers won by the final score of 32-19.
Mason helped the 49ers sustain long drives and handily win the time of possession battle to keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers’ hands as much as possible.
Fans were amazed by his breakout performance.
Mason was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2022 following four years at Georgia Tech. While Monday night marked the first start of his career, he thrived as a reserve option for San Francisco throughout the past two seasons.
In 33 career games entering the 49ers’ matchup with the Jets, Mason averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
If McCaffrey is unable to suit up in San Francisco’s Week 2 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, expect Mason to take on a large role in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense once again.