Christian McCaffrey Suffers Thigh Injury in 49ers Loss to Falcons

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey exited Sunday’s Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons with a thigh injury before returning in the second half, finishing with 100 total yards and a touchdown in a 29-20 loss.

The San Francisco 49ers saw their unbeaten start to the season end on October 25, 2026, falling 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Adding to the team’s difficulties, star running back Christian McCaffrey spent an extended period on the sideline and inside the medical tent during the first half after suffering a thigh injury during the Week 7 contest. The team had already entered the matchup depleted across the roster.

McCaffrey Scores Early Before Injury

McCaffrey opened the game with heavy involvement in the Kyle Shanahan offense, capping a strong opening possession by plunging into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown following a soaring leap. Replay footage shown on FOX indicated he landed awkwardly after absorbing a hard hit around his thigh following a 25-yard reception on the opening drive.

He remained on the field for the subsequent possession but was absent for the team’s third series. Trainers evaluated him on the sideline before he was jogging back to the locker room with 6:14 remaining in the first half. San Francisco officially listed him as questionable to return with a thigh injury.

Black Fills In As Roster Depleted

With McCaffrey sidelined, rookie running back Kaelon Black assumed additional work in the backfield. Black immediately delivered on the first play of the second quarter, bursting through the Atlanta defense for a 30-yard rushing touchdown to extend the San Francisco lead. Black also lost a fumble later in the half, while Jordan James remained next in line on the depth chart.

The offensive strain was compounded by an already depleted roster. The 49ers played without wide receivers Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Ricky Pearsall, leaving the team without wide receiver catches in the first half as they held a narrow 14-12 lead at the break.

McCaffrey Returns For Second Half

McCaffrey warmed up during halftime, rode the stationary bike on the sideline, and returned to the field to start the third quarter. However, his workload was noticeably reduced upon his return, beginning with a rushing loss of two yards.

He finished the afternoon with 13 total touches for 100 yards and a score, recording 7 carries for 39 yards alongside 6 receptions for 61 yards in the 29-20 defeat. Before exiting in the first half, he had accumulated 4 carries for 29 yards and 3 catches for 45 yards before absorbing hard hits from the Falcons defense.

Running Back Assesses Physical Frustration

Speaking with reporters after the final whistle, the four-time Pro Bowler described the physical frustration of playing through the setback during the loss.

My leg just died on me, just tried to get it going for the whole rest of the game. It just sucks having to play like that. I know I’ll be alright, but it’s just really frustrating.

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back

Despite dropping to a 6-1 record after suffering their first defeat, the 49ers hold the No. 1 spot in the NFC West standings. The team enters a timely bye week in Week 8, providing an opportunity for rest before facing the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9.

More on this story: 49ers Hold Off Commanders for Sixth Straight Win Behind Purdy and McCaffrey · Falcons Defeat 49ers 29-20 Behind Four Turnovers · Falcons Rookie Kendal Daniels Hospitalized After Neck Injury in Week 6

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