Christian McCaffrey injury update: What happened to 49ers' star running back?

The San Francisco 49ers built their entire offense out of Christian McCaffrey to open up their Week 7 showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. That isn't an exaggeration. The All-Pro running back accounted for 69 total yards in a 64-yard touchdown drive that gave the Niners an early 7-0 lead (a Trent Will

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What is the story about?

The San Francisco 49ers built their entire offense out of Christian McCaffrey to open up their Week 7 showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. That isn't an exaggeration. The All-Pro running back accounted for 69 total yards in a 64-yard touchdown drive that gave the Niners an early 7-0 lead (a Trent Williams false start on the first play of the game made this possible).

It was a reasonable strategy. Injuries have decimated head coach Kyle Shanahan's receiving corps. McCaffrey was shredding the Atlanta defense. Backup Kaelon Black had four carries for zero total yards in that stretch. But cameras caught McCaffrey lying down on the sideline getting stretched out while coaches crouched down to review game film with him after his leaping dive into the end

zone.

He caught a five-yard pass to open the following drive, but jogged back to the sideline soon after. Black took over RB1 duties, leaving McCaffrey's status in doubt.

What's McCaffrey's injury status in Week 7?

Oct 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (56) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

McCaffrey is dealing with a thigh injury. He is officially questionable to return.

#49ers @SutterHealth Injury Update: Christian McCaffrey is questionable to return (thigh).
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 25, 2026

Who'll step up for the 49ers if McCaffrey can't play?

Rookie Kaelon Black is the main beneficiary of McCaffrey's departure. He provided 52 yards in a 63-yard scoring drive after McCaffrey was ruled questionable to return, all on the ground. He capped that off with a 30-yard touchdown scamper in which he ran to the end zone virtually untouched.