Jordan Mason ready for breakout 49ers season after taking advice from Christian McCaffrey

Third-year running back Jordan Mason is ready to step up for the San Francisco 49ers this season after working closely with Christian McCaffrey behind the scenes.

The 25-year-old will operate as McCaffrey's backup this year after Elijah Mitchell suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has been left impressed by the Georgia Tech product. Mason averaged 5.4 yards per carry on 14 attempts and scored two rushing touchdowns in preseason, and is ready to take his chance.

McCaffrey has been dealing with injury issues of his own ahead of Monday's season opener but is expected to play against the New York Jets . The Niners will be more cautious over McCaffrey than usual, meaning that Mason could see more of the ball than normal.

Mason was a rookie when McCaffrey was traded to the Niners from the Carolina Panthers , and knew instantly that his minutes would be limited. However, he's taken advantage of McCaffrey's wisdom and shadowed the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year in an attempt to improve his own game.

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The running back spoke to Mirror U.S. Sports ahead of Super Bowl LVIII and admitted that McCaffrey's influence will majorly benefit his career. "All positive lessons to be honest because what does he not do on the football field? My game, my main game is just to run the ball," Mason told Mirror U.S. Sports in February .

"So with him catching the ball, left and right, running routes down the field, that helps me. So when I'm in practice and I'm running routes, I'm thinking 'I'm good'. But I come back and he's telling me I'm not good because he's noticed I did something.

"It helps me though. I say to myself, 'him coaching me gives me two to three more years in the league, at least'. He's that guy."

Mason scored three touchdowns last season and stood out during preseason this summer, and has now earned Shanahan's trust. Speaking after the Niners played their final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Shanahan said of Mason: "He's been such a good runner since he's gotten here.

"I think his stamina has gotten better. I think his all-around play, especially on special teams, too, has gotten a lot better, especially from the first year. He started playing at a high level on special teams last year, though. He carried it to this year. He's been running the ball well for a while. He's solid in the passing game as well."

The biggest thing earned for Shanahan for trust, meaning Mason could have more of an impact this season. "A ton of trust. We got a bunch of playing time, get him out healthy," Shanahan added. "That really was the goal for everyone. Not really a fun thing going into these games when you want guys to play because I truly believe it helps them, but you want to make sure they stay healthy, too."