Smoke Signals: Rock Cartwright needs to get over it edition

[Swarley]

This might shed some light on Masons role

"We think [Mason] is a talented running back," Mitchell said. "We went with two quarterbacks, and it just worked out for him this year. We know he can run the ball; he has good hands and good vision."

Mitchell said if Portis and Betts get banged up early in the season and can't practice, Mason would be included in the game plan.

"Last year, they couldn't practice during the course of the week, and [Shaun] Alexander took all the reps but those two guys played in the game," he said. "It wouldn't be that way this year. If Mason takes all the reps, he would definitely take some carries."

Four's a crowd for Redskins' backfield - Washington Times

So in essence they feel he's someone who will be able to take that number 2 spot in the future and for right now he seems to be cover for Betts.