Jordan Mason has represented Christian McCaffrey so well that he has surpassed his All-Pro teammate’s on-field accomplishments for five weeks.

The third-year running back recorded 14 carries for 89 rushing yards and made history in the 49ers’ 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

Mason now has 536 rushing yards this season, which is the most for a San Francisco running back in the first five games of a season in franchise history, according to the 49ers’ game notes.

THE FIRST 5 GAMES OF A SEASON IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

Rank | Player | Season | Rush Yds.

1. | RB Jordan Mason | 2024 | 536
2. | RB Christian McCaffrey | 2023 | 510
3. | RB Charlie Garner | 2000 | 500
4. | RB JD Smith | 1959 | 489
5. | RB Joe Perry | 1953 | 487

Mason’s 89 rushing yards also gave him 1,000 points for his career on just 188 attempts (5.3 yards per attempt).

McCaffrey, whom Mason outperformed on the ground in five games this season, finished the 2023 season with 1,459 rushing yards.

Mason’s 17-game rushing yards (1,822 rushing yards) would surpass McCaffrey’s 2023 total and set a 49ers franchise record for rushing yards in a season, a title held since 2006 by Frank Gore (1,695 rushing yards).

However, Mason’s role as RB1 will likely end at some point this season – and possibly soon – when McCaffrey returns to the field after missing the first five games with Achilles tendonitis.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast