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.