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
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) put in a second straight limited practice this week on Thursday. Mason suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder in Week 6 but was active for the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, handling 14 carries for 58 yards while catching both his targets for 11 yards. All signs point to him being active for a Sunday night primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, where Mason will once again a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers. He'll have the perfect opportunity for a big game against Dallas' beat-up defense that has allowed the third-most half-PPR fantasy points to opposing RBs through six games in 2024. Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is eyeing his season debut after the Niners' Week 9 bye, so Mason may only have this weekend before his fantasy value takes a huge hit.
Oct 24, 2024 7:32 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The 25-year-old running back and interim starter with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) sidelined, Mason finds himself on the injury report once again but is trending toward playing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. While the last few games haven't treated Mason incredibly well (he's averaging 13.7 touches, 83.0 yards, and zero touchdowns over the last three weeks), he's in a great position to bounce back against a Cowboys defense allowing the fourth-most rushing touchdowns and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
Oct 24, 2024 12:08 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason was mostly held in check by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 28-18 home loss on Sunday. He ran for 58 yards on 14 carries and caught both of his targets for 11 yards. A large chunk of his yardage came on a 26-yard third-quarter run. Mason also had a couple of nice runs called back by holding penalties and was something of a game-script victim with the 49ers falling behind 14-3 early. Coming into the game, Mason was the second-leading rusher in the NFL and should have better days ahead of him until Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) returns. Unless CMC surprises everybody and comes back next week, Mason will look to get back on track against a porous Dallas Cowboys run defense at home on Sunday Night Football.
Oct 20, 2024 11:04 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder), who suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night, was taken off the final injury report on Friday and will play in Week 7 on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 25-year-old has been a must-start in fantasy lineups with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) out all season, although he'll definitely carry more risk of an in-game setback this weekend. Rookie Isaac Guerendo filled in nicely and almost rushed for 100 yards after Mason left last Thursday, so the rookie could see a little more run to spell Mason against KC. But now that Mason has been officially cleared for Week 7, this is fantasy managers' cue to get him back into their starting lineups.
Oct 18, 2024 6:42 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was seen wearing a non-contact jersey during Friday's practice, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Mason has been a limited participant all week during practice and will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend as he has yet to shed the non-contact jersey. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later on Friday as it may clarify the 25-year-old's availability for the weekend. Mason left last week's game early after suffering an AC joint sprain. If the standout running back happens to miss Sunday's game, rookie Isaac Guerendo will likely lead the San Francisco backfield and would become a viable RB2 play.
Oct 18, 2024 4:45 PM EST