Christian McCaffrey was taken to the medical tent during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons and is now listed as questionable to return due to a thigh injury.
Christian McCaffrey injury update
The exact nature of McCaffrey’s injury was not immediately clear, but the 49ers later confirmed he was questionable to return with a thigh issue. The team shared on X, “Injury Update: Christian McCaffrey is questionable to return (thigh).” McCaffrey was seen back on the sidelines wearing his helmet as the third quarter began.
How did McCaffrey get injured?
Replay footage showed McCaffrey taking a hard hit to his lower thigh, which likely caused the injury. The 30-year-old running back tested his leg by sprinting along the sideline after the hit. Before leaving the game, he had rushed four times for 29 yards and scored a touchdown, while also catching three passes for 45 yards.
49ers RB depth tested
While McCaffrey was being evaluated, backup running back Kaelon Black stepped up and scored a 30-yard touchdown run to continue San Francisco’s ground attack. The 49ers were already dealing with the absence of wide receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, which increased Black’s role early in the game alongside McCaffrey.
San Francisco will be eager to keep McCaffrey on the field, as losing him would mean losing a key part of their offense and their ability to create plays designed for their star running back.
Kaelon Black’s growing role in 49ers offense
Rookie running back Kaelon Black from Indiana has seen more playing time than expected this season, with his role expanding since Week 1. The 49ers appear intent on managing McCaffrey’s workload more carefully after heavy usage last season. Black has contributed to the team’s unbeaten start and may be required to take on even more responsibility if McCaffrey remains sidelined.
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