49ers Jordan Mason gets visibly upset after reporters press him on his post-game claim of knowing about Christian McCaffrey’s unavailability against the Jets

Jordan Mason stated that the 49ers informed him about starting in place of Christian McCaffrey on Friday night whereas the team notified the NFL about the latter's injury 90 minutes before the game.

49ers Jordan Mason gets visibly upset after reporters press him on his post-game claim of knowing about Christian McCaffrey’s unavailability against the Jets

Jordan Mason (Image via Open Source)

The San Francisco 49ers got off to a hot start on Monday night as they beat the New York Jets 32-19 at Levi’s Stadium. On a night that got off to a shaky start after star running back Christian McCaffrey was declared inactive, the 49ers offense went on to play with backup running back Jordan Mason. At the beginning of the night, it was clear that the 25-year-old undrafted free agent was going to have to fill some big shoes. But when the game ended, it was apparent that the running back was wearing the perfect pair.

Despite his stellar performance, Jordan Mason ended up leaving the stadium upset after his press conference. This was because, in his postgame interview, he revealed that the 49ers had informed him that he would be starting Monday’s game against the Jets on Friday. The media picked up this angle and continued to ask Mason questions surrounding his comments. He was asked to confirm if his earlier admission was true or not.

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Mason lost his cool and refused to respond.

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That question right there is why I'm mad. That's why I don't like really talking to media, 'cause you say one thing wrong and then, you know...I don't know. Just skip that question.
Jordan Mason said

The running back did not entertain any other questions pertaining to this line of questioning. Mason’s comments contradicted the 49ers announcement of CMac’s unavailability for Monday night which was released 90 minutes before kickoff.

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Jordan Mason had a remarkable performance on opening night as he rushed for 147 yards

Head coach Kyle Shanahan attempted to do damage control and contradicted Mason’s admission in his press conference. 

I never told Jordan he was going to start. I told him he had to be ready a bunch, but that might've been (running backs coach Robert Turner Jr.) or somebody trying to pump him up.
Kyle Shanahan said

Shanahan made it clear that he asked Mason to be prepared but he never told him that he was going to be the number 1 option until Monday.

Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey (Image Credits: L-via Open Source, R-via IMAGO)

Despite Shanahan’s clarification, the San Francisco 49ers may be subjected to a penalty by the NFL. This is because the team violated the NFL’s injury reporting rules that state they must provide credible, accurate, and specific information about injured players to the league office on a weekly basis. If Mason was informed that he was going to be starting on Monday night, it would mean that the 49ers knew Christian McCaffrey was going to be out for the opening night matchup.

The NFL takes these violations seriously and under normal circumstances, they levy a hefty fine upon the organization but in exceptional circumstances may opt to forfeit draft picks or suspend players involved. Jordan Mason sent a statement with his performance on Monday night. He had 147 yards and 1 touchdown on 28 carries. His performance served as reassurance for the 49ers who can be certain they have a reliable backup to fall back on.

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