Is Jordan Mason A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 7? Waiver Wire Outlook

Jordan Mason entered the season as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart for the San Francisco 49ers behind star back Christian McCaffrey and backup Elijah Mitchell.

Mason has done some solid work over the past two weeks and now has a chance to capitalize on it, with McCaffrey potentially missing time due to an oblique injury he suffered this past Sunday.

Will Mason be the starting back if McCaffrey is unable to suit up? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues as ?

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What Has Jordan Mason Done In Weeks 1-6?

The 24-year-old did very little through the first month of the season. Mitchell was the clear backup to McCaffrey and took the few touches that were not going to the superstar running back. However, after going down in practice leading up to Week 4 with a knee injury, Mason started to work his way into the offense.

With only 18% of the snaps in Week 5 against Dallas, the second-year back recorded 10 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Mason increased his snap percentage to 24% this past weekend. While he saw just five carries, he was able to find the end zone for the second week in a row.

Were There Any Worrying Signs With Jordan Mason In Weeks 1-6?

The main hurdle for Mason, other than McCaffrey taking all of the work, has been getting past Mitchell on the depth chart. Prior to his knee injury, Mitchell was the clear No. 2 option behind McCaffrey and even had 11 carries in Week 3 before going down in practice the next week.

When on the field, Mason has been solid. In four games, he has tallied 117 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns on the ground. That is an average of 5.6 yards per carry. Mason has not been involved often as a receiver, however, and has just one reception for 13 yards on the season.

Mitchell's 2023 stats are less impressive. Through four games, the 25-year-old has 49 yards on 17 carries and has yet to find the end zone. His 2.9 yards per carry average is much worse than Mason's as well, and even with three receptions, Mitchell has just two receiving yards on the year.

Playing time, not production, has been the most worrisome thing for Mason in 2023. However, when you are behind Christian McCaffrey on the depth chart, playing time is always going to be an issue.

Should I Pickup Jordan Mason Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

Head coach Kyle Shanahan is giving us little clarity on the situation so far.

If McCaffrey indeed misses next Monday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, the backfield is likely to be a committee. Plenty of fantasy managers are going to grab both Mitchell and Mason in hopes that either will be the lead dog and pop the stat sheet.

Both backs have produced for fantasy in a limited role, but Mason has the power of recency on his side. With McCaffrey healthy the past two weeks, the second-year back has scored twice on top of being efficient this year as a runner.

This is more of a one-week rental, potentially two depending on the severity of the injury to McCaffrey. However, Mason is a priority pickup for those who may be without the star running back in Week 7. With six teams on bye this week and a slew of other backs being injured, Mason should be high on your priority list of adds off the waiver wire this week.

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