Mason is slated to serve as the 49ers' No. 1 running back Sunday at Minnesota and beyond with the news that Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) is a candidate for injured reserve, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Coach Kyle Shanahan relayed Friday that San Francisco is considering an IR stint for McCaffrey due to the Achilles tendinitis that is plaguing him at the moment. Shanahan also noted that Thursday's practice was the worst for McCaffrey so far in terms of pain, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. The 49ers have yet to make a decision on McCaffrey past this weekend, but Mason at the very least will start Sunday on the heels of 29 touches for 152 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD in the Week 1 win against the Jets. Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel figures to be in the backfield mix as well after handling eight carries Monday night.