NFL

How Jordan Mason could get the 49ers into trouble with Christian McCaffrey comment

Mason starred as McCaffrey’s replacement in the Niners’ win over the Jets but may have inadvertently informed the NFL of a rules violation.

Darren YamashitaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The San Francisco 49ers got their 2024 NFL season off to the best possible start, recording a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium, which they managed without the services of star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Christian McCaffrey’s injury status

McCaffrey’s injury status has been up in the air for a number of weeks. He missed most of the team’s training camp and all three preseason games due to calf and Achilles injuries, but was only listed as questionable for the season opener from Saturday onwards.

The 28-year-old was eventually downgraded to ‘out’ 90 minutes before kickoff on Monday, which led to Jordan Mason taking his place in the team. That ended up working out well for the Niners, the 25-year-old starring with 29 touches for 152 yards and a touchdown, drawing huge praise from a number of teammates after the game.

Immediately after his excellent performance, Mason was asked by ESPN’s sidelined reporter Lisa Salters when he was told he’d be starting in McCaffrey’s place. Mason answered “maybe Friday, Friday night. Something like that.”

Now, it has been suggested the running back has inadvertently exposed his team violating the NFL’s injury reporting rules (it is almost certain that if Mason knew he was starting on Friday, the 49ers also knew McCaffrey would be out at that point).

What punishments can NFL teams get for violating injury reporting rules?

The NFL has strict guidelines for teams to follow with regard to player injuries. If a franchise fails to do so properly, they can be hit with a fine, be made to forfeit draft picks or the player involved can be suspended.

As an example, the Pittsburgh Steelers were fined $75,000 and head coach Mike Tomlin $25,000 for not accurately listing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on a practice report in 2019.

When Mason was again asked the same question in his post-game press conference, his slip-up had clearly been pointed out to him and he inferred the media was trying to get him, and the Niners, into trouble.

“That question right there is why I’m mad. 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.”

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