Bettors and fantasy football managers around the country were shocked when San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was ruled out of his squad’s season opener against the New York Jets. But Jordan Mason, who filled in for McCaffrey, said he was unsurprised.
The third-year running back told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he knew on Friday that he’d be starting in Monday’s game. That created a problem for San Francisco.
The 49ers didn’t list McCaffrey as questionable until Saturday, and he wasn’t officially ruled out until just before Monday’s game.
Under the NFL’s injury-reporting rules, teams must provide “credible, accurate, timely and specific” information about injuries before games. If San Francisco’s coaches obfuscated McCaffrey’s status, they could face punishment from the league office.
After the game, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he didn’t confirm Mason would be the starter until Monday afternoon.
“We found out [McCaffrey] wasn’t playing today,” he said. “We don’t know how he’s going to feel tomorrow or the next day. I thought he was playing this whole week until today.”
When Mason took to the podium after the game, reporters asked for clarification about when he learned of McCaffrey’s absence.
“That question right there is why I’m mad,” Mason said. “That’s why I don’t like really talking to the media because if you say one thing wrong. … We’ll skip that question.”
San Francisco’s offense didn’t miss a beat with Mason in the backfield, as the Georgia Tech product recorded 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown in the Niners’ 32-19 home victory.
The 49ers could call on Mason again if McCaffrey misses their next game Sunday at Minnesota.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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