49ers beat Jets as Jordan Mason steps up in place of injured Christian McCaffrey

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The San Francisco 49ers shockingly saw Christian McCaffrey, their star running back, inactive on Monday night against the New York Jets. 

But his backup, Jordan Mason, did not disappoint in his first career start, as he helped lead his squad to a 32-19 win to start off the season on the right foot. 

All eyes were on Aaron Rodgers making his return to an NFL field after suffering an Achilles tear on the fourth play of the Jets' "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. 

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San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) runs during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. (David Gonzales-Imagn Images)

But, while Rodgers had his first career touchdown pass in this game, it was Mason who stole the spotlight on his home turf at Levi's Stadium. Mason scored his first career touchdown as a starter, and rushed for a career-high 147 yards on 28 carries.

The Jets' stingy defense from 2023 was not there when the ball was in Mason's hands, as he set the tone early on. 

After the Jets scored the game’s first touchdown – a three-yard rush from Breece Hall on a 12-play drive – Mason started to get going on the team’s fourth drive. San Fran was able to convert on two field goal attempts by Jake Moody, including one after the Jets’ touchdown to make it 7-6, but Mason got going with four straight run plays that ultimately opened a lot up for quarterback Brock Purdy. 

49ERS STAR CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY SHOCKINGLY INACTIVE VS JETS WITH CALF INJURY

Mason appeared to score the team’s first touchdown of the year, but Deebo Samuel was called for offensive