Mason has impressed in McCaffrey's absence, rushing for 667 yards and three touchdowns this season while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. However, he has been a limited participant in practice this week as he continues to recover from an AC joint sprain sustained in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks. Mason suited up on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs and is expected to play this weekend.
"He had 14 carries (against the Chiefs), seemed fine," Rapoport said Friday morning on NFL Network. "I expect him to play. This actually might be the last game where Jordan Mason is the bell cow."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism that McCaffrey could return to practice during the bye week, potentially making him available for the 49ers' Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey, who has yet to play this season, landed on injured reserve due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
"The 49ers have a bye (after Sunday)," Rapoport continued. "Christian McCaffrey should start practicing, and there's a very good chance that McCaffrey is on the field November 10th for the 49ers' next game. If you have Jordan Mason in fantasy, this might be your last hurrah with this one."
Regarding wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was hospitalized earlier this week with pneumonia, Rapoport indicated he could still suit up against the Cowboys. Samuel missed Wednesday's practice but was a limited participant on Thursday.
"It's a situation where, if he feels good enough, then he would be able to play," Rapoport noted. "The fact that he practiced yesterday means at least there is a good shot for him to be out there on Sunday."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers placing Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason on IR; Other injury updates
Following the San Francisco 49ers' Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided several injury updates during a Monday conference call. The team announced that star running back Christian McCaffrey and backup Jordan Mason will be placed on injured... -
49ers mailbag: Why isn't Jordan Mason more involved? What happened to the SF defense? What's wrong with Deebo Samuel?
This is a crucial week for the San Francisco 49ers. After Thanksgiving, they travel to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. While few (if any) expect the 49ers to win this game, you never know. The 49ers may rekindle that fire that has been missing all season long.... -
49ers' McCaffrey-Mason Dilemma: Will a running back rotation fix Shanahan's red-zone crisis?
Breaking down the 49ers' ground game struggles, red-zone issues, and running back rotation - Part 1 It hasn't exactly been the San Francisco 49ers' year. 2024 began with a brutal overtime loss in February, followed by an offseason where wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was traded... -
Why the 49ers aren't using Mason or Guerendo since McCaffrey's return
Since returning from an Achilles tendinitis issue, Christian McCaffrey has dominated the San Francisco 49ers' backfield, playing 88% of the offensive snaps. In contrast, Jordan Mason has seen just 8% of the snaps since McCaffrey's return, while Isaac Guerendo has played only...