How Jordan Mason Can Save Fantasy Football Teams After Christian McCaffrey's Injury

If you spent the No. 1 pick in your fantasy football draft, you're probably scrambling now that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for Monday night's regular-season opener against the New York Jets.

McCaffrey was listed as questionable earlier in the week with a calf/Achilles injury, but it sure seemed like all signs pointed to the do-it-all superstar being available for the first game of the season.

Instead, McCaffrey will be sitting this one out, leaving a gaping hole in the starting lineup for both the 49er and fantasy football managers everywhere.

If you're lucky, backup Jordan Mason is still available in your league, or you planned ahead by spending a late-round pick on him in your draft, just in case CMC happened to go down at any point in the season.

Mason has flashed potential in limited work since he was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech following the 2022 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old has carried the ball 83 times for 464 yards and four touchdowns over the past two seasons, averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry.

So, while the 49ers are clearly taking the more cautious and long-term approach with their star running back, Mason now has an opportunity to take advantage of an increased role in an offensive system that should give him plenty of different ways to make a big impact.

Kyle Shanahan's offense is creative and innovative, which has been of huge benefit to McCaffrey and everyone who has had him on their fantasy teams since he arrived via trade from the Panthers. That same play-calling and design that has helped CMC become the clear-cut top player in fantasy leagues everywhere will now put Mason in position to maximize what he does well, as a versatile back who can make an impact as both a runner and a receiver.

If you can, make sure you grab him off the waiver wire ASAP, or get him in your lineup for kickoff tonight if he's sitting on your bench behind McCaffrey.

Related: Christian McCaffrey's Late Scratch Deals Massive Blow to Fantasy Football Teams Everywhere