While undrafted rookie running back Jordan Mason is a fan favorite, the most-likely replacement for injured San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell is veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. Mitchell suffered an MCL sprain during this past weekend's loss to the Chicago Bears and landed on injured reserve.
One NFL insider, ESPN's Adam Schefter, says everyone should keep an eye on Mason, though, who could get a chance to prove himself until Mitchell's return in a couple of months.
"Well, obviously, they're going to start with Jeff Wilson, and Jeff Wilson is a player they really like," Schefter told his ESPN colleague, Field Yates. "And if anybody watches Jeff Wilson play, when he's out there, man, is he tough, and does he run hard. The issue with him is a little bit like Elijah Mitchell. It seems like he suffers injuries constantly. Knee, ankle, whatever it may be. If Jeff Wilson can stay healthy, he'd have great numbers. But he has struggled to stay healthy through his career, in part because of how hard he runs, how physical he is."
The 49ers will have to alter their plans at RB in Week 2 with no Elijah Mitchell. @AdamSchefter joined the show to share some insight on the next backs up. pic.twitter.com/2U1eOQOXc4
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 15, 2022
Schefter wondered about the 49ers' other running backs—Mason and fellow rookie Tyrion Davis-Price, a third-round pick. The NFL insider believes Davis-Price appeared to be a little slower to react and learn the offense during the preseason, which isn't uncommon for rookies.
"So that means, when you're looking at that backfield right now, the guy that interests me is Jordan Mason, who is an undrafted free agent," Schefter continued.
The NFL insider notes that the 49ers liked Mason so much that they were willing to keep him over Trey Sermon, a former third-round pick.
"The guy looked like he could play," Schefter added. "... I just think he has the capability to become a fantasy [football] factor as early as this Sunday."
Mason rushed for 94 yards on 19 carries during the preseason, averaging nearly five yards per attempt. The 49ers also signed veteran Marlon Mack to the practice squad this week.