Christian McCaffrey Injury Update, Latest on 49ers RB After Missing Action vs. Falcons

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is not expected to miss time with what the team is calling a mild hamstring strain:

McCaffrey suffered what was initially referred to as a thigh injury during the first half of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, but he was able to return.

He initially went to the locker room following the setback:

Although he was getting a lot of work on the sidelines during the first half, McCaffrey did get back into the game in the second half.

McCaffrey finished with 39 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while adding 61 yards on six catches. San Francisco suffered its first defeat of the season with a 29-20 loss.

▶️ Full Falcons-49ers Recap

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McCaffrey previously missed time in training camp with what was described as "tightness," although he later revealed that his absence was planned as he ramped up for the 2026 season and ultimately appeared in Week 1.

In six games this year, McCaffrey has rushed for 350 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He's remained a factor in San Francisco's passing attack, hauling in 28 receptions for 190 yards.

The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the NFL's most imposing offensive players when healthy, although injuries have plagued him throughout his career.

McCaffrey was sidelined for the first eight games of the 2024 season with Achilles tendonitis, later appearing in four contests before he was ruled out for the rest of the year due to a PCL sprain.

His injury history goes back further, as he played in just 44 of a possible 68 regular-season contests from 2021-24.

Still, McCaffrey's impact on San Francisco's offense is undeniable. When he was able to play a full season in 2023, he earned First Team All-Pro honors before getting named Offensive Player of the Year.

McCaffrey also received a Pro Bowl nod after suiting up in all 17 regular-season contests during his 2025 campaign.

In 2026, the 49ers hold the No. 1 spot in the NFC West standings with a record of 6-0.