The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to sit star running back Christian McCaffrey for their season opener against the New York Jets came as a surprise to many, including backup running back Jordan Mason.
Mason revealed to ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the game that he was informed about his starting role as early as Friday, suggesting that the team may have concealed McCaffrey’s injury status.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan vehemently denied Mason’s claims, stating that while Mason was prepared to play a significant role, he was not told he would be starting.
However, Mason’s comments raised questions about the team’s transparency regarding McCaffrey’s health. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McCaffrey’s calf injury flared up on Friday, and he was at risk of missing both the Jets game and the following week’s matchup against the Vikings.
Despite McCaffrey’s absence, the 49ers dominated the Jets, with Mason rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown. Their strong performance suggests they can be competitive even without their star running back.