Mason’s mixed message

It isn’t supposed to be rushing 18 times for 98 yards, as the second year running back did in last weekend’s Hall of Fame game.

“Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts — he could easily start for another team — and then Rock Cartwright is a great running back as well, and then there’s me,” said Mason of the Redskins’ fully stocked backfield. “They say that I’ve got to try and do well on special teams. If I’m going to be on the team, that’s where it’s going to be.”

But Mason made himself hard to ignore with his performance carrying the ball against Indianapolis, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll take things one step further than he did his rookie year, which was spent on the Redskins’ practice squad.

“I have never thought he wasn’t going to make the team,” said Redskins head coach Jim Zorn. “He’s proven he is worthy of the things we thought of him — playing hard, working hard, running the ball extremely well. He was the workhorse in the game and wanted more. He came into training camp ready.”

Last summer the 5-foot-9, 217-pounder from Potomac spent most of training camp star struck, barely able to comprehend the opportunity to play alongside his hometown heroes. A year later, Mason is at ease with his teammates and the Washington running game.

“Marcus adds a lot to this team,” said Portis. “He’s shifty, his vision is great; his hands are great. If he continues to make plays, you’ve got to find some place to put him.”

Zorn complimented Mason’s patience for finding his running lanes and his second efforts getting into the Colts’ secondary. 

“That’s just part of being a running back,” said Mason. “You know not to stay sideways, especially if you’re not the fastest person on the field. I’m not Clinton Portis or Reggie Bush, I gotta get upfield, get as many [yards] as I can.”

Don’t forget kickoff and punt coverage, Marcus.

“I’m not a big special teams guy,” said Mason. “But I’m working on it, just because I want to continue to play here so that’s what I’m going to have to do.”