Where Jordan Mason has improved the most since joining the 49ers

The 49ers RB2 has is expected to have a bigger role as he heads into Year 2

With the news that San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell’s season is over, Jordan Mason is officially the RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey, who sat out the preseason with a calf strain.

Mason finished the preseason with 14 carries. Seven of those went for first downs. Three of them went for 10+ yards. Sixty percent of his yards came after contact. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

As Mason enters his third season, he figures to have the largest role of his career. That doesn’t mean he’ll rush for 1,200 yards, but Mason could surpass his career total of 464 rushing yards in 2024.

Mason came into the NFL as somewhat of a one-trick pony. He didn’t have much experience in the passing game and was hardly thought of as a special teamer. As a rookie, the team used Mason on the kick coverage teams for the first two weeks. After showing enough promise, Mason’s usage upped to the punt coverage and return teams the following week.

Since Week 3 of the 2022 season, Mason has played on all four special teams units in every week but one. Last Friday, I asked head coach Kyle Shanahan where Mason has improved the most during his 49ers tenure:

“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 better, especially from the first year. He started playing at a high level on a special teams last year. He’s carried it to this year. He’s been running the ball well for a while, and you saw it in the pass game also.”

When asked what his trust level in Mason is, Shanahan said, “Ton of trust. I gotta ton of trust in JP.”

The 49ers drafted a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Isaac Guerendo has already been banged up a couple of times during training camp. His impact figures to happen as a kick returner, while Mason should get the brunt of the carries when McCaffrey needs a breather.

Quarterback Brock Purdy came in at the same time as Mason. He’s seen the running back’s growth first-hand. He’s excited for Mason’s upcoming opportunity this season:

“He’s come in, obviously, rookie year, trying to make the team, chip on his shoulder. He and I studied every day together, did our little walkthroughs together. So, to see him come onto the scene and have some success, obviously through special teams the first couple of years and some crucial runs as well.

This offseason, sort of grow up and mature as an NFL running back has been pretty sweet to see. His knowledge with the playbook and understanding where he needs to be with the gaps that he’s hitting and being able to be there as a checkdown in the pass game. He’s got great hands. Overall, I feel like he’s become more of a professional as playing in the NFL going into his third year. I’m really excited for him.”

This is the final season of Mason’s rookie contract. He’ll be a restricted free agent next offseason. If he shows enough promise, it would not be surprising to see other teams match what the 49ers could offer come free agency.