49ers RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason both headed to IR

Dec. 3, 2024, 1:30 a.m. Sports

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their upcoming games, they have been hit with some unfortunate news regarding their running backs. Both Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are set to be placed on Injured Reserve (IR), leaving a void in the team's backfield. This setback comes at a crucial time for the 49ers, who are in the midst of a playoff push and are counting on their running game to help secure victories down the stretch.

McCaffrey, who has been a key contributor to the 49ers' offense this season, suffered a knee injury in the team's most recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. The extent of the injury was initially unclear, but further evaluation revealed that he will require surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. This is a significant blow to the team, as McCaffrey has been a dynamic playmaker both on the ground and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Jordan Mason, who has seen limited playing time this season, has also been dealing with injuries and is now set to join McCaffrey on IR. Mason, a rookie running back out of Georgia Tech, showed promise in the preseason but has been hampered by various ailments throughout the year. The decision to place him on IR is likely a precautionary measure to ensure that he has ample time to recover and come back at full strength next season.

With both McCaffrey and Mason sidelined, the 49ers will need to turn to their remaining running backs to pick up the slack. Elijah Mitchell, who has been the team's primary ball-carrier for much of the season, will likely see an increased workload in their absence. Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign and will be counted on to shoulder a heavier burden in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the 49ers may look to utilize their depth at the running back position by giving more playing time to backups JaMycal Hasty and Jeff Wilson Jr. Hasty, an undrafted free agent out of Baylor, has impressed in limited action this season with his quickness and elusiveness. Wilson, who has battled injuries of his own this year, has shown the ability to be a physical runner and could provide a change of pace in the backfield.

While losing both McCaffrey and Mason is undoubtedly a setback for the 49ers, the team remains confident in their ability to overcome adversity. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has a proven track record of adjusting his game plan to account for injuries, and the rest of the team's offense is prepared to step up in their absence. The 49ers' success down the stretch will depend on their ability to adapt and continue to execute at a high level, even in the face of adversity.