Why the 49ers Won't Give Jordan Mason the Ball

SANTA CLARA -- Jordan Mason is averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and yet the 49ers haven't given him the ball in the past three games. Meanwhile, Elijah Mitchell is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry, and has gotten 12 carries in the past three games, including eight last week.

Something doesn't add up.

On Friday, I asked Shanahan what Mason has to do to get back in the mix and earn his trust. Shanahan didn't appreciate the question.

SHANAHAN: "Why would (trust) be the issue?"

ME: I don't know. I guess it's confusing for a running back who's so efficient to fall out of the mix. I'm wondering what he would need to do to get back in it."

SHANAHAN: "The two guys in front of him would have to get hurt. There are three of them. You're implying I don't trust him or something. That's what I heard in the question, so I'm trying to figure out exactly what your question is. Why is he the third running back?"

ME: Yeah. Why would you give Mitchell the carries over Mason when Mitchell is averaging 2.4 yards per carry?

SHANAHAN: "We look at more than stats. Mitchell is our No. 2 back and has done some pretty good things here. Jordan is our No. 3. He's been our No. 2 at times. That's how most cases are in the NFL."

TRANSLATION: Mitchell is the No. 2 running back because he used to be good, while Mason is the No. 3 running back even though he is good because Shanahan has a nostalgic allegiance to Mitchell. How confusing.