Jordan Mason injury update: 49ers RB to undergo x-ray, questionable to return vs. Seahawks

In the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers’ showdown against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday evening, 49ers running back Jordan Mason suffered an apparent left shoulder injury. Mason headed to the locker room almost immediately after reaching the sideline and will reportedly undergo an x-ray.

Mason is questionable to return. Before leaving the game, Mason was off to a hot start, boasting a game-high 65 rushing yards on eight carries. Mason has been pivotal to the 49ers’ success this season, with a team-high 536 rushing yards and three touchdowns through five games.

Jordan Mason’s increase in production this season has been a welcome surprise for the 49ers, who have been without running back Christian McCaffrey this season due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis.

NFL insider provides injury update on Christian McCaffrey

On Thursday, Albert Breer provided an update on McCaffrey’s recovery.

“Going back to August, when he started to feel like himself again, they ramped him up toward the opener against the Jets,” Breer said. “Ultimately, the Achilles flared up on him, so after the opener, they wound up shutting him down.

“He just started feeling like himself again last week, so they started to ramp him up over the last few days. The good news is that there’s been no flare ups. There’s been no setbacks. He feels good. So, the Niners are optimistic about where he is, but this is a scary deal for him. He’s determined to play this year. I’d say the next two or three weeks are critical.”

McCaffrey reportedly went to Germany to receive treatment for his condition earlier this year. The three-time Pro Bowler can’t return soon enough for the 49ers. Last season, McCaffrey had a record year, tallying a league-high 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

In light of McCaffrey’s current predicament and injury-riddled past, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of protecting his star RB when he returns.

“We have to protect Christian from himself,” Shanahan said, per The Athletic. “He doesn’t like to ever come out no matter what the situation is and I do think that’s something we could protect him with more.

“But if he’s just taking the wear and tear with 20 carries and stuff every game – and he’s definitely good enough to do that and he has proved he can stay healthy – but you’d like to take some of that off of him and give it to other guys also.”