49ers running back Jordan Mason had a strong performance on Monday night, stepping in for the injured Christian McCaffrey. However, Mason was visibly upset when speaking to the media afterward, according to the Daily Mail, despite his solid game.
During an immediate post-game interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, Mason revealed that he had learned on Friday night that he would be starting in place of McCaffrey. This revelation could potentially implicate the 49ers in a violation of the NFL’s injury reporting rules. According to league regulations, teams must disclose injuries that could impact a player’s availability, and the fact that Mason knew McCaffrey was out days before the game raises concerns that the 49ers failed to comply with those rules.
Yet, between Mason’s comments to Salters and his subsequent appearance at the post-game press conference, it appeared that someone from the 49ers’ organization had informed him that his earlier remarks could pose problems for the team.
When a reporter asked Mason at the press conference, “When did you find out that you’d be in the starting lineup?” Mason’s response reflected a clear frustration with the situation.
“That question right there is why I’m mad,” Mason said, adding, “That’s why I don’t like really talking to the media, because you say one thing wrong, and then, you know — I don’t know. Just skip that question”, told the New York Post.
Mason’s frustration was evident, but he wasn’t wrong in answering Salters’ original question. The issue lies with the 49ers’ handling of McCaffrey’s injury. Telling Mason that McCaffrey would be sidelined 72 hours before the game but failing to inform the public until just 90 minutes before kickoff raises serious questions about the team’s adherence to injury disclosure rules.
The situation places the 49ers in a tricky spot, with potential consequences looming for failing to follow the NFL’s protocols.”