Despite McCaffrey's absence, the 49ers thrived. Jordan Mason stepped up, delivering a standout performance with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
When asked about the differences between McCaffrey and Mason, Kittle explained how the 49ers actually benefited from McCaffrey's absence.
"Like I told Christian, literally the only good thing that came out of him not playing is that our playbook shrinks just a little bit, which I'm always a fan of, the shrinking playbook," Kittle said after the 32-19 Week 1 victory. "Now, [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] can make all these awesome plays, and the cool thing about Christian is you can do all these things that no one else in the world can do.
"But we really just ran the most simple outside zone all day, whether it's a weak side run at [LT] Trent [Williams] or [RT] Colton [McKivitz], or you had two tight ends in there, and just running outside zone. And it worked really, really well, and I was happy for that."
Another advantage is learning that the 49ers can rest McCaffrey without stalling the offense. Mason's performance, which didn't surprise anyone in the 49ers' locker room, allows McCaffrey to conserve his energy for the long season ahead and take breaks as needed.
"And what JP (Mason) also does, he's just such a downhill runner, and he's a dense dude," Kittle continued. "Sturdy—that would be a good word for it. A dense, sturdy guy, and he just runs downhill very physically."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers players spotted (and missing) during bonus Monday practice
The San Francisco 49ers held a bonus Monday practice at 1:30 p.m. PT. This extra session comes after the team's extended break following last Thursday's game. Since it is not a regularly scheduled practice, the 49ers are not required to release an official practice... -
George Kittle sends clear message about Brock Purdy's value and future 49ers contract
With the San Francisco 49ers unlikely to make the playoffs this season, attention has already turned to the offseason, where quarterback Brock Purdy's contract status will undoubtedly be a key storyline. The 49ers can begin extension talks with Purdy, their third-year... -
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Dolphins Week 16 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...