The 49ers Need to Use Jordan Mason in the Playoffs

No matter what Jordan Mason does, he can't surpass Elijah Mitchell as the 49ers' No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey.

On Sunday, McCaffrey sat out the 49ers' meaningless regular season finale with a mild calf strain, which means both Mitchell and Mason got ample opportunities to play. And of course, Mitchell started, because head coach Kyle Shanahan loves him. Has a special place in his heart for him.

But Mitchell wasn't great against the Rams. He rushed 14 times for 54 yards (3.7 per carry), and scored a touchdown. Compare that to Mason, who rushed 6 times for 36 yards (6.0 per carry) against the Rams. He was fantastic.

Mason has been better than Mitchell since the beginning of last season, but Shanahan won't acknowledge it. Shanahan seems to build his running back depth chart by seniority, not merit. How else do you explain Mitchell playing before Mason?

Remember, four years ago when the 49ers made their first Super Bowl run under Shanahan, their starting running back was Tevin Coleman and their backup was Raheem Mostert even though Mostert was outstanding and Coleman was not good. Every week, Mostert proved he was the far superior runner, and every week, including the Super Bowl, Coleman was the starter. It made no sense.

Cut to the present. Shanahan continues to ride with Mitchell simply because he's familiar with him and trusts him. Meanwhile, Mitchell averaged 3.7 yards per carry this season and Mason averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

Mason is too good for the 49ers to shelve him in the postseason. It's time for them to promote him.