How Mason can join NFL elite with solid play against the Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Jordan Mason is about to accomplish something only six other NFL running backs have done as a 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Mason has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in each of San Francisco’s first two games of the 2024 NFL season. If he does it again in Week 3, he will join an illustrious list of running backs who have rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in each of the first three games of a season.
Los Angeles Chargers running back JK Dobbins also has the opportunity to join the same exclusive club, listed below:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | GAMES
| Jim Brown HOF | Cleveland | 1958 | 6
| OJ Simpson HOF | Buffalo | 1975 | 5
| DeMarco Murray | Dallas | 2014 | 4
| Emmitt Smith HOF | Dallas | 1995 | 4
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota | 2019 | 3
| Curtis Martin HOF | New York Jets | 2004 | 3
| | | |
| JK Dobbins | Los Angeles Chargers | 2024 | 2*
| Jordan Mason | San Francisco | 2024 | 2*
| *active series
Mason, who signed with the 49ers in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, made his first NFL start in Week 1 against the New York Jets after San Francisco star Christian McCaffrey was ruled out. With the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year since placed on injured reserve with a calf injury and Achilles tendonitis, it was Mason’s turn to shine.
The 25-year-old has done just that since his opportunity presented itself, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers win 32-19 against the Jets in the season opener, and rushing for 100 yards and another score in San Francisco lost 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
There will be even more pressure on Mason to lead the racing game Sunday in Los Angeles with receiver Deebo Samuel, known for also carrying the ball, sidelined with calf tension.
But if the first two weeks are any indication, Mason is up for the challenge — and might even make a little NFL history along the way.
