Jordan Mason, a key running back for the San Francisco 49ers, sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday night’s game against the Seahawks. This setback might force the team to find another replacement as they already deal with the absence of Christian McCaffrey. The extent of Mason’s injury remains unclear, impacting the 49ers’ plans moving forward.
Jordan Mason’s injury occurred in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 36-24 victory over the Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned post-game that Mason tried returning to the field but couldn’t continue due to pain.
Jordan Mason was seen heading to the locker room for X-rays before returning briefly in the third quarter for an 8-yard run, only to exit shortly after.
“Yeah, he thought he was gonna be alright,” Shanahan mentioned post-game. “He went back in [the game] and it just hurt him too much, so he went out. I think that was the first play, and then he was out just in case of emergency.”
The team is awaiting more detailed information, which is expected to be available on Friday. Shanahan’s cautious tone suggests that the injury might be serious enough to impact the team’s game plan for upcoming matches.
The 49ers faced several other injuries during the game. Safety Malik Mustapha, who stepped in for Talanoa Hufanga (currently on injured reserve with a wrist injury), left the game in the second quarter with what the team suspects is a low-ankle sprain. Shanahan indicated that while it’s less severe than a high-ankle sprain, Mustapha’s status is still uncertain.
Adding to their concerns, the 49ers’ kicker, Matthew Wright, who was filling in for Jake Moody (out with a high-ankle sprain), sustained a shoulder injury while attempting a tackle on a kickoff return. Shanahan expressed his reservations about involving kickers in tackles moving forward, given the back-to-back injuries.
Tight end George Kittle also had a brief scare in the fourth quarter, heading to the locker room before making a quick return. Kittle lightened the mood by saying, “I had to go to the bathroom,” but his temporary exit highlighted the team’s injury woes.
Left guard Aaron Banks experienced leg cramps during the game, leading Spencer Burford to take over his role. With multiple players dealing with physical setbacks, the 49ers’ depth chart is being tested across the board.
Isaac Guerendo, a rookie selected in the fourth round this past April, currently sits at RB3 for the 49ers.
Guerendo had a college career at Wisconsin and Louisville, with his best year in 2023 for the Cardinals, where he totaled 810 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
Coming into “Thursday Night Football,” he had 12 carries for 41 rushing yards. With Mason’s injury, Guerendo took most of the initial carries and is expected to step up as the starter if Jordan Mason misses any time.
The last RB on the 49ers’ roster is Patrick Taylor Jr., who previously spent three seasons with the Packers.
Taylor Jr. recorded a career-high of 141 rushing yards last season despite the crowded Green Bay backfield. He has scored just one NFL touchdown so far, back in 2021. Known more for his receiving skills, he managed 11 catches during his limited playtime last season.
When Mason left the game on “Thursday Night Football,” Taylor handled a couple of carries but was mainly utilized in passing situations, receiving a few targets.
The San Francisco 49ers await further details on Jordan Mason’s shoulder injury, a development that could significantly affect their plans for the season. With multiple players nursing injuries, including key starters, the 49ers’ depth and adaptability will be put to the test in the coming weeks.
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