The San Francisco 49ers are not yet out of the woods with injuries on the offensive line.
RB Christian McCaffrey is expected to return in Week 10 when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they may not have his replacement, Jordan Mason.
While McCaffrey was out, Mason was a star in the 49ers' offense, recording 685 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 134 carries. He injured his shoulder in the first half of the 49ers' Week 6 game against the Seattle Seahawks and did not return to the game. He then managed to get through Week 7 before the injury aggravated again in Week 8 and once again missed the entire second half.
Here's the latest on Mason as Week 10 begins:
Jordan Mason injury update
It looked like Mason was on track to play after he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Thursday was a different story, however, as Mason received a limited participation designation, putting his status for Week 10 in question.
How long will Jordan Mason be out?
There is no clear timetable for Mason's return from his AC joint sprain. He made it through Week 7 without any issues and may still play in Week 10. It doesn't appear the injury is serious enough to cause him to miss any significant time. With McCaffrey returning, the team could opt to give Mason another week to fully heal. However, there is no indication that he is at risk of a long-term absence.
49ers RB depth chart
McCaffrey will be at the top of the depth chart, and Mason expects to get some work spelled out as the reigning Offensive Player of the Year returns from Achilles tendonitis. If Mason can't go, rookie RB Isaac Guerendo would be the next man up, followed by RB Patrick Taylor. Guerendo had his best game as a pro in Week 8 when he ran 14 times for 85 yards and scored his first career touchdown.
