Shanahan on McCaffrey vs. Deebo in the 49ers backfield, Mason's improved versatility

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate to have two versatile offensive players who can run the ball just as dangerously as they can catch it. However, one of those players, running back Christian McCaffrey, has yet to play this season as he is on injured reserve due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis.

In McCaffrey's absence, running back Jordan Mason has stepped up and leads the team with 447 rushing yards and three touchdowns in four games. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel also contributed to the game on the ground, carrying the ball 12 times for 27 yards and a rushing touchdown. Although his 2.3 yards per carry is below his usual average, opposing defenses still have to be considerate of Samuel when he receives a handoff because of how difficult it is to bring him down.

On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the difference in play-calling when McCaffrey is in the backfield against Samuel.

“It’s a little different,” Shanahan admitted. “Just certain things – Deebo is a wide receiver and Christian is a running back. These guys are somewhat interchangeable. They can do many things that the others can do, but not everything. I don't want to go through these specifically, but it's not everything.

Mason spent the offseason working on his pass-catching skills and invested in a $3,000 JUGS machine. Despite only having six catches for 57 yards so far, Shanahan believes the running back can also become a dangerous receiving threat.

“I thought it came up the most last year,” Shanahan said. “I think when Christian came here his first year there was just Jordan, Elijah (Mitchell), all the defenders, just watching him out of the backfield, all the things he started to get from that, I think everything.” These guys were just a little more aware in the offseason and they all came back better last year. It showed that Christian was simply always available last year.

“And this year they did the same thing and JP (Mason) got his chance and it really paid off.”