49ers defensive leader expected breakout game from unheralded RB

Monday Night Football between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers marked the arrival of Jordan Mason. With Christian McCaffrey ruled out before kickoff due to an ankle/Achilles, Mason didn’t just fill in but thrived in the 49ers backfield.

Mason fueled the 49ers offense, surging to a career-high 147 yards with a touchdown on 28 carries. The Georgia Tech product hammered the Jets defense with a flurry of powerful runs through the belly of New York’s front seven.

Following the game, Fred Warner was asked about Mason. The 49ers defensive captain wasn’t surprised by the undrafted running back’s performance on Monday against the Jets.

I know it sounds silly, but I truly do expect that of him. I love the fact that he trained here this offseason — chose to train here with me and some of the other linebackers, Flan and Curtis. We compete here. Even in the offseason, I saw him with a different mindset that he was going to be ready for his moment when it did come. All training camp he got a lot of reps obviously with Christian out. Even though I’m not tackling him to the ground, I could still feel the physicality and seeing it throughout the preseason. He was ready for his moment. I’m so happy for him.

Via @NBCS49ers on Twitter:

Regardless of when McCaffrey will be available next, Mason has deservingly carved out some sort of role in Shanahan’s offense. If McCaffrey can’t return by Sunday, Mason will likely see a heavy workload again in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.

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