“The same stuff that’s been bothering him all week,” Shanahan told reporters after the game. “There was a little too much today, a decision in the moment of the game. He came in, just talked to him about it, it was still there. I thought it would be smart to keep him out and I’m glad we did.”

When Mason was asked again after the game when he knew he would start, his answer was significantly different from the one he gave on the field.

“That question right there…” Mason said hesitantly. “That’s why I don’t like talking to the media, because you say one thing wrong and then… I don’t know. Just skip that question.”

NFL rules give teams wide latitude in determining the injury status of players. But since the league has a lucrative business relationship with gambling and fantasy sports companies, that information is considered public knowledge.