How Mason beat out two 49ers third-round picks for backup role

SANTA CLARA — Jordan Mason had a difficult road ahead of him, considering he signed as an undrafted rookie with the 49ers in 2022. At the time, San Francisco had invested third-round picks in players at his position in back-to-back drafts. Two years later, Mason still is around and producing in a big way. "Once backs get here, we really don't care," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. "We watch them run in practice, and where they were drafted or the name on their jersey, really doesn't matter to us." That is why the 49ers did not hesitate to waive those third-round picks, Trey Sermon and Ty Davis-Price, and go with Mason in a backup role Sermon, on his third NFL team, now is a backup with the Indianapolis Colts. Davis-Price is on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Mason, a third-year player, got his first NFL starting assignment on Monday night. He came through with a career-high 147 yards and one touchdown on 28 rushing attempts in the 49ers' 32-19 victory over the New York Jets on Monday night in the season opener. "We've been committed to running the ball for a while," Shanahan said. "There are lots of styles that can be successful running the ball, but you better be able...