Jordan Mason, 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers' return to Jets

The New York Jets had Aaron Rodgers. The San Francisco 49ers were without Christian McCaffrey. Everything was lining up for a sweet return for the veteran quarterback against the NFC West champs.

Didn’t happen because the Jets made Jordan Mason, undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech in 2022, look like McCaffrey.

Mason had 464 rushing yards in the NFL on 83 carries before Monday night. He finished with 28 yards on 147 carries and a touchdown as the 49ers opened 2024 with an 32-19 win at Levi’s Stadium.

Rodgers’ best play was a free play. The 49ers were offside and Rodgers threw the football to his former Green Bay Packer teammate for a 36-yard touchdown pass.

It was way too little, way too late. The game was so out of hand late coach Robert Saleh put Tyrod Taylor in to replace Rodgers, who was 13-of-21 for 167 yards with a TD and an interception. Those stats used to be what he accomplished in a half with the Packers.

Jake Moody kicked six field goals in six attempts. Brock Purdy was efficient and the 49ers’ defense controlled Rodgers and the Jets’ offense.

McCaffrey missed the game with a calf injury that kept him out of the preseason. Mason stepped in and trampled the Jets.

Mason had more carries against the Jets than in any game since his high school days.