The 49ers backfield is a goldmine with Christian McCaffrey healthy. It was also a goldmine when McCaffrey was out. As we shared two weeks ago, Jordan Mason was a player to add to your rosters if McCaffrey showed up as questionable or worse on your injury reports.
Now, it's time to assess the fallout.
Welcome to Week 2 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- The 49ers Backfield (see below)
- Managing September
- The Subscriber Contest
- Week 1 Minefields
Let's roll.
The 49ers Backfield
Matt Waldman: Jordan Mason took over the 49ers backfield due to a Christian McCaffrey injury and had a great night. A reserve running back having a big week in a Shanahan run game -- whether it is Kyle or Daddy Mike -- isn't new.
The list of names is long between the two coaches: Elijah Mitchell, Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon, Jeff Wilson, Selvin Young, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Mike Bell, and Ryan Torain.
The Shanahans have had reserve RBs who managed to deliver complete fantasy seasons as starters. They are also picky-fickle about their backs and have managed maddening fantasy carousels.
The Rookie Scouting Portfolio's pre-draft report on Mason compared him to a faster and more complete player in the mold of Alfred Morris, who could emerge as a better pro than college performer. At the same time, Isaac Guerendo is a compelling prospect in his own right, and we'll likely see the 49ers add another runner to the stable if McCaffrey misses additional time.
What is your view of the 49ers backfield this year, and how are you advising fantasy GMs to proceed?
Sean Settle: This is a situation where you hope that as the McCaffrey GM, you were able to grab Mason as a handcuff before anyone else. The 49ers showed last season that they will ride McCaffrey as long as he is healthy.
However, with the current calf injury that has been known to quickly turn into an Achilles injury, we are on truly shaky ground. McCaffrey being ruled out late has many managers wary and will likely affect his overall trade value.
On the other side of that coin, the big week from Mason will likely have his value at an all-time high. The 49ers trusted Mason with 28 carries and another 8 to Deebo. This is going to be a messy situation for as long as McCaffrey is dealing with an injury. Staying on top of the injury report and being willing to act quickly is your only option. McCaffrey was likely your first pick, and if you even think he will miss extended time, it is worth seeing what you can get, given his injury history.