Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason was viewed as a "massive" part of Minnesota's offseason plan, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. During the spring, the Vikings acquired Mason via a trade. During the 2024 campaign, Mason emerged as a key contributor to the San Francisco rushing attack when Christian McCaffrey was sidelined. On a career-high 153 carries, Mason tallied 789 yards and three scores. During the first seven weeks, Mason flashed RB1 upside as he averaged a strong 14.8 PPR points per game and averaged 95.3 yards per game during this stretch. In addition, reports from Vikings camp suggest the team views him and veteran Aaron Jones as "Co-RB1s." While Jones will likely see the slight majority of carries, Mason possesses much higher upside given his age and speed. He is worth viewing as a standalone flex option and a high-upside handcuff if Jones were to miss time.
Aug 5, 2025 11:49 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason could be the "Co-RB1" alongside Aaron Jones in the upcoming season. According to Jeremy Fowler, Mason could operate as the Co-RB1 in the offense. During their recent practice session on Friday, Fowler noted that Mason saw significant opportunities and is a good complement to the veteran Jones. Last season, Mason operated as the lead back in San Francisco through most of the campaign while Christian McCaffrey was injured. Mason looked quite comfortable as the top running back, averaging 14.8 PPR points per game during the first seven weeks. During this stretch, Mason averaged 95.3 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone three times. Given Jones' age and injury risk, Mason is an intriguing selection as he could be viewed as a reliable flex option in most weeks with the upside to produce as an RB1 if Jones were to miss time.
Aug 4, 2025 11:48 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason looks explosive and "built" in training camp, according to Sean Borman of Vikings Territory. A free-agent addition by Minnesota this past offseason, Mason logged 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. He's expected to work in a timeshare with veteran Aaron Jones in the Vikings' backfield in 2025. Mason has historically struggled as a pass-catcher (14 career receptions), but he's been a highly efficient rusher (5.3 rushing yards per attempt on 236 career carries). That could make him the ideal complement for the 30-year-old Jones, who is an excellent receiver out of the backfield but may not be able to handle a large workload as a rusher at this point in his career.
Jul 31, 2025 11:10 AM EST
The Minnesota Vikings made a sizable investment in running back Jordan Mason by signing him to a two-year contract worth $10.5 million this past offseason. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Mason's playing time split with incumbent running back Aaron Jones will be "much closer" to 50-50 than previous RB1/RB2 splits in Minnesota under head coach Kevin O'Connell. In 12 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season, Mason logged 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn't utilized much as a receiver (11 catches), but Vikings offensive coordinator reportedly referred to him as a "natural catching the ball." If Minnesota views Mason as a three-down back, he could be in a fairly even time share with the 30-year-old Jones, whom O'Connell has spoken openly about reducing the workload for. Now might be the time for fantasy managers to invest in Mason, as more buzz about his usage could send him rocketing up draft boards.
Jul 29, 2025 11:22 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is taking part in voluntary organized team activities this offseason. Mason missed the last five games of the 2024 season due to a high-ankle sprain, but he's back on the field in early June and should be completely healthy and ready to go for Week 1 in his first season with Minnesota. The 26-year-old had a breakout season with Christian McCaffrey missing most of the year with injuries, as he finished with 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns while adding 11 catches for 91 yards in 12 games (six starts). Mason isn't going to have the kind of workload he did in San Fran with CMC injured, but the Vikings want to spell starter Aaron Jones more to keep him fresh, which is where Mason comes in. RB3/flex value seems plausible, especially if Mason is the Vikes' preferred goal-line option.
Jun 4, 2025 12:51 PM EST
It sounds as though Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason, who was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, will have a notable role in the team's backfield in 2025 as the "1b" behind starter Aaron Jones. "I do think Jordan's gonna bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations, those goal-line situations, goal-to-go, where we've really left a lot to be desired as a football team," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. If healthy, Jones should be Minnesota's go-to guy on the early downs and on third down in obvious passing situations, but the presence of Mason as the potential goal-line guy for the Vikes could be bad news for Jones' fantasy ceiling and floor this upcoming season. Mason, 25, has averaged at least 5.2 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL and looked good filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey in 2025. He'll be a handcuff to Jones but could also be in play as a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in deeper leagues.
Apr 2, 2025 9:44 AM EST
The Minnesota Vikings acquired running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday and signed him to a two-year deal with over $7 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The maximum value of the deal is for $12 million. The Niners placed a second-round tender (worth $5.3 million) on Mason, who was a restricted free agent, but he'll now head to the NFC North, where he'll serve as the backup to Aaron Jones. San Fran also sent the 187th pick in this year's draft in exchange for the 160th pick in the draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026. The 25-year-old was one of the best waiver-wire pickups in fantasy a year ago after taking over for Christian McCaffrey as the Niners' lead back. He had 789 rushing yards and three TDs on 153 carries in 12 games (six starts) before ending the year with an ankle injury. Mason won't have much standalone fantasy value in 2025 but will be a fine handcuff for those that roster Jones.
Mar 15, 2025 10:52 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers placed a second-round tender on restricted free-agent running back Jordan Mason on Tuesday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The second-round tender is worth over $5 million, so it means that Mason will most likely return to the Niners in 2025 as the backup to Christian McCaffrey (knee). However, with Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. also in the fold, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 25-year-old traded this offseason. Mason missed the last five weeks of the 2024 season with a high-ankle sprain, but before that, he was a waiver-wire darling in fantasy football after taking over for the injured McCaffrey as San Fran's lead back. He had a career year with 153 carries, 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 11 catches for 91 yards through the air. If Mason isn't traded, he'll be a popular handcuff option for those that take the risk with CMC as an RB1.
Mar 11, 2025 12:08 PM EST
The San Francisco Standard's David Lombardi writes that San Francisco 49ers restricted free-agent running back Jordan Mason (ankle) has been drawing trade interest around the league after rushing for 1,253 yards on 5.3 yards per carry over his first three years in the league. The 49ers can tender the 25-year-old an offer that includes a right of first refusal ahead of the new league year next Wednesday. It would make sense for the Niners to place a second-round tender ($5.3 million) on Mason with the value of RBs potentially on the rise. Lombardi points out that the team has twice traded away a RB for a fifth-round pick, so Mason could be dangled with Christian McCaffrey (knee) coming back in 2025 and with Isaac Guerendo also on the roster. Mason had 789 rushing yards and three TDs on 153 carries in 2024 but missed the final five games with an ankle injury. His path back to fantasy relevance makes more sense outside of San Fran.
Mar 6, 2025 9:35 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (ankle), who still hasn't been placed on Injured Reserve, was officially ruled out for the Week 14 game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday after missing practice all week. Mason suffered a high-ankle sprain in last Sunday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills and is expected to eventually land on IR, which would require him to miss at least four games. The 25-year-old will likely go on IR before the deadline on Saturday, which will make him eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. With fantasy championships typically coming in Week 17, Mason should have already been dropped in redraft leagues. With Christian McCaffrey (knee) also done for the season, rookie Isaac Guerendo is now the 49ers' lead back, and he'll have immediate RB2 upside in his first NFL start this Sunday versus Chicago.
Dec 7, 2024 12:22 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Monday after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills. It means that Mason will miss at least the next four games and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. With fantasy championships typically coming in Week 17, managers now won't have a reason to hold onto Mason in single-year leagues. Christian McCaffrey (knee) also suffered a PCL injury in the snow on Sunday night and is facing a six-week recovery, so his season is likely over. It all means that fantasy managers in need at RB should make rookie Isaac Guerendo their top waiver-wire priority heading into Week 14. Guerendo should now lead San Fran's backfield, with Patrick Taylor also getting involved.
Dec 2, 2024 4:58 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason found some traction in an ugly 35-10 loss to the Bills in Orchard Park on Sunday night. The 25-year-old did most of his work after starter Christian McCaffrey (knee) left the game, finishing with 78 yards on 13 carries and no touchdowns. In a development that is sure to shake up fantasy leagues everywhere, McCaffrey's injury is feared to be significant, opening up championship hopes to those who held on to Mason through CMC's return. In six starts this year, Mason averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. Ahead of Week 14, fantasy managers in leagues where Mason is unclaimed should be prepared to break the bank on the waiver wire if McCaffrey is done for the year. Mason and the 49ers get the Chicago Bears at home next week, in a must-win against a vulnerable rush defense.
Dec 2, 2024 12:32 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason accrued eight yards on three carries in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He'd catch 1-of-2 targets for five yards and return one kick for a gain of 29. San Francisco's offense sputtered all afternoon under the direction of quarterback Brandon Allen, with Brock Purdy (shoulder) working through a shoulder issue. The ten points were the fewest they've scored in an outing this year and their least in a contest since the NFC Championship game of the 2022 season. Since running back Christian McCaffrey's return, CMC has out-touched Mason 56-7, firmly entrenching that latter to handcuff status. The 49ers will square off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football next weekend in a premiere matchup.
Nov 25, 2024 2:59 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason will back up All-Pro Christian McCaffrey in a Week 11 home date with the Seattle Seahawks. Mason was found money in fantasy in the early part of the year, performing like an RB1 with McCaffrey (Achilles) sidelined. That was until Mason struggled with a shoulder injury of his own and ceded snaps to rookie Isaac Guerendo. Last week as predicted, the return of McCaffrey was near-absolute, even in his first game back. Mason and Guerendo each received one carry and no targets. It was proof that head coach Kyle Shanahan's idea of easing his starter back from a lengthy absence doesn't include significant involvement from his other running backs. CMC is the bell cow, making Mason no more than a bench stash in Week 11.
Nov 16, 2024 2:43 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason will return to a backup role in Week 10 when the team takes on the Buccaneers in Tampa. The undrafted third-year pro did an impressive job filling in for All-Pro Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) over the 49ers' first five games, averaging 15.9 half-PPR points before suffering a lingering shoulder sprain in Week 6 and ceding much of his subsequent work to rookie Isaac Guerendo. While Mason won't be completely locked out of action with the return of McCaffrey on Sunday since San Francisco is likely to ease the latter back into action to some degree, the Niners have established a preference for using their RB1 almost exclusively. As long as CMC remains healthy, Mason reverts to a top handcuff/stash, while Guerendo falls off the fantasy map entirely. Hang on to Mason if at all possible, but leave him on the bench in Week 10.
Nov 9, 2024 1:51 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday after he had no restrictions on Wednesday. It's a downgrade for Mason, but the Niners could just be resting him coming out of their bye week as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Mason was a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers through the season's first nine weeks with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, but McCaffrey is in line to return in Week 10. San Fran could ease McCaffrey back into their backfield against the Bucs, but an active CMC will automatically make Mason more of an RB4/flex in fantasy lineups. Mason sprained his left shoulder in Week 6 and aggravated it in Week 8 before getting the bye in Week 9 to heal up. With McCaffrey on the verge of his return, Mason should still be stashed in most fantasy leagues as a handcuff.
Nov 7, 2024 6:51 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was injured and unable to return during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Afterwards, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mason maybe could've returned to the contest. Rookie back Isaac Guerendo didn't miss a beat as he rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown in Mason's absence. It sounds like the plan is for Mason to be evaluated after the Week 9 bye. Fellow back Christian McCaffrey is expected to return in Week 10, so Mason's value could be taking a huge hit here soon. Fantasy managers who have Mason rostered should prepare for his value to decrease here soon.
Oct 28, 2024 7:04 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and did not return. Although the 49ers listed him as questionable at the time of his departure, Mason did not register an opportunity for the entire second half. He finished an injury-riddled Week 8 with just six rushes for 18 yards on the ground and no contributions in the passing game. Mason has now posted single-digit fantasy points (PPR) in four consecutive games, and while three of those performances were limited by injury, his reduced productivity is frustrating nonetheless. Fantasy managers will hope Mason can get healthy during the Week 9 bye, but he could end up losing his job if Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) returns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.
Oct 28, 2024 12:30 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) exited Sunday night's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and is questionable to return. He's racked up 18 yards on his six carries thus far. Mason looked to have injured himself earlier in the contest but was not brought into the blue medical tent for further evaluation. However, he was not out there for a 49ers series late in the first half and ultimately went to the locker room. For now, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo will take over lead duties in San Francisco's backfield. Expect an update on Mason shortly.
Oct 27, 2024 9:47 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) practiced in a full capacity on Friday. He has been removed from the final injury report and will play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. Although Mason hasn't missed a game yet this season, the shoulder injury has hindered him ever since Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks. His production has taken a bit of a step back over the last few games, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 4. With that said, he's in a great position to bounce back this week against a Cowboys defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points and third-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2024.
Oct 26, 2024 9:07 AM EST