The San Francisco 49ers place backup running back Elijah Mitchell on season ending IR.
The San Francisco 49ers place top back up running back, Elijah Mitchell on season ending IR. Tuesday was cut down day all 32 NFL teams to get their rosters down to 53 players. This move by the Niners allows them to retain Mitchell’s services for the 2025 season while freeing up a roster spot for the 2024 season. This leaves Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo as the four running back on the initial 53 man roster. This leaves Jordan Mason as the top backup to star Christian McCaffrey. Rookie Isaac Guerendo was thought to be cut if Elijah Mitchell was included on the roster. Guerendo now looks to be the Niner top kick returner after combatting injuries to showcase his rare athleticism on a 93-yard kick off return during the preseason.
This news is just in time for the flurry of fantasy football drafts coming up before the start of the NFL season. It is wheels up on Jordan Mason as his current ADP of 56 is absolutely stealing. His ADP will shoot up after this information, Mason should be going around the RB40 range now. Should the Football Gods allow McCaffrey to miss anytime, Mason is capable posting weekly top 5 numbers at running back for the Niners. Mason is a good target in the later rounds of your drafts coming up. As for Dynasty owners it is wise to stash Mason on your roster if he is available on your waiver wires. Mason is now one of the most valuable handcuffs at running back in all leagues.
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) ...
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) ...
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) ...
Backup running back Jordan Mason for the San Francisco 49ers has hip soreness.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey has been sitting out all of training camp with a calf injury. This is a great opportunity for the other backs to step up and carve a role for themselves. The top backup options in Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason are also dealing with injuries. Jordan Mason has been reported as the top back up for McCaffrey. Mason was undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2022 and has seen very little play time behind McCaffrey, although he has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his limited opportunities. At 5’11” and 223 pounds Mason is big back with limited athleticism. He appears to have gained the trust of this coaching staff.
Jordan Mason is now clearly the handcuff back to own behind star back Christian McCaffrey. Mason is not a sexy pick for fantasy but he is essential for CMC owners, especially after the star back had 339 touches last season. Most backs coming off of that many touches have trouble staying healthy the next season, and since he is already dealing with a calf injury during the preseason it is wise to have the top running back option behind him in Jordan Mason.
Mitchell has been ruled out for his second game in a row and will miss this week’s matchup with the Cardinals.
Mitchell has had a minimal role in the team’s offense this season and is now out with a knee injury. As a result, Christian McCaffery will be the primary running back for the 49ers with Jordan Mason as his backup.
Although Mason has mainly played on special teams this season, he will now step up in Mitchell’s absence. He had some early success last week when he scored a touchdown after McCaffery’s 72-yard run down inside the 5.
