Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell implies newly-acquired running back Jordan Mason will be their short-yardage back this season, per The Coachspeak Index.
Weeks ago, Minnesota acquired Mason and a 2025 sixth-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Since then, fans and analysts alike have attempted to project what kind of workload Mason will receive in the upcoming season. O’Connell’s comments from the NFL’s 2025 League Meetings confirmed what some assumed.
“I do think Jordan’s gonna bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations, those goal-line situations, goal-to-go, where we’ve really left a lot to be desired as a football team,” O’Connell said.
Most teams in the modern NFL opt to rotate through multiple running backs during games, and the Vikings are no different. Mason’s skillset will (ideally) complement what veteran tailback Aaron Jones brings to the table as they share opportunities. Jones made a name for himself as an explosive runner and reliable receiver in his seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, continuing to add to his resume last year with the Minnesota Vikings. He remains an effective player, but now that Jones is in his 30s, he’s no longer viewed as a workhorse option. Instead, and as his head coach alluded to, Minnesota hopes to preserve Jones in the final years of his career by lightening his workload. We can safely assume he’ll continue to be their featured back in passing situations, but Mason will get plenty of early down and short yardage work.
Mason set career-highs across the board last season in relief of Christian McCaffrey, totaling 880 yards from scrimmage while averaging 5.4 yards per touch. Mason’s durability issues loom, but when active he’s proven to be an efficient runner. He signed a new contract with the Vikings post-trade and now has two seasons to prove his worth to his new team.
Author: Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB)
It sounds as though Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan ...
The Minnesota Vikings acquired running back Jordan Mason ...
The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Jordan Mason ...
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.
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.
