The San Francisco 49ers have played a plethora of running backs in 2022, ranging from Eljah Mitchell to Jeff Wilson Jr. to Christian McCaffrey to the team's two rookie running backs.
Last weekend, with running back Jordan Mason aggravating an injury on a kickoff after sustaining a hamstring injury, rookie third-rounder Tyrion Davis-Price earned his first snaps since Week 7, rushing nine times for 30 yards behind starter Christian McCaffrey.
Mason's hamstring injury re-appeared on the injury report for the 49ers this week, although he enters the weekend with no injury designation after practicing in full on Friday.
With all three backs expected to be active again, what will the running back rotation look like for the 49ers vs the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17?
When he has played this year, Jordan Mason has unquestionably been a difference maker, which is what earned him the "closer" nickname from fellow running back Christian McCaffrey.
Mason has been extremely efficient with his carries, rushing for 217 yards on 6.6 yards per attempt this season, due to his powerful downhill rushing style that embraces the 49ers' offensive philosophy of physicality.
If Mason is truly 100% healthy, he should retake the backup snaps from Tyrion Davis-Price, but if there are any lingering concerns, it may be smarter to limit the undrafted free agent to special teams, allowing him to heal with rest for Week 18.
The 49ers have shown an affinity for a two-back rotation in 2022, which leaves one player as the odd man out in the running back room, especially since Ty Davis-Price has played special teams just twice this season.
Prior to last weekend's game, Mason had earned at least four carries in five consecutive games, and will look to continue that consistency if he returns to the lineup this weekend.
