San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason has been placed on injured reserve (IR) following a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. The injury adds to the challenges facing Kyle Shanahan’s team as they fight to salvage their season.
Jordan Mason’s Impact on the 49ers’ Offense
Jordan Mason, 25, has been a standout for the 49ers this season. Stepping in for All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, Mason put together several impressive performances over the course of the season including the season opener against the New York Jets, where he rushed for 147 yards and a couple weeks later against the New England Patriots, when he ran for 165 yards.
Mason’s injury creates a major gap in the 49ers’ backfield, already depleted by the loss of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey to a PCL injury and backup Elijah Mitchell. Both are expected to miss the remainder of the season. While there’s a slim chance Mason could return if the 49ers reverse their fortunes and secure a playoff berth, that scenario appears highly unlikely given their current struggles.
Kyle Shanahan Confirms Jordan Mason’s High-Ankle Sprain
During a press conference on Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Mason sustained a high-ankle sprain. The injury likely occurred during the team’s Week 13 loss to Buffalo, though the exact moment remains unclear.
San Francisco, currently 5-7 and at the bottom of the NFC West standings, faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. They are two games behind the division-leading Seattle Seahawks and need to address their dwindling running back depth to stay competitive.
49ers’ Running Back Depth Tested Once Again
The 49ers’ backfield has been hit hard by injuries in 2024. In addition to Mason, Christian McCaffrey has been sidelined, and Elijah Mitchell was ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury before the year began.
This leaves rookie Isaac Guerendo as the only healthy running back on the 49ers’ active roster. Kyle Shanahan and the coaching staff are expected to elevate practice squad running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to the active roster to backup Guerendo. The team will likely sign an additional running back to provide depth for the final stretch of the season.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
San Francisco’s injury woes have tested Kyle Shanahan’s roster-building and play-calling abilities throughout the 2024 NFL season. With the team struggling to score points on offense, they’ll need significant contributions from Guerendo and any new additions to the backfield.
The 49ers’ ability to overcome this adversity could determine whether they remain a factor in the postseason picture. For now, the focus shifts to adjusting the game plan and managing the team’s limited backfield options.
