Christian McCaffrey says his ‘leg just died’ in 49ers loss to Falcons

Christian McCaffrey notes his 'leg just died' in 49ers loss to Falcons.

Key points

• McCaffrey had four carries for 29 yards and a touchdown and continued two catches for 40 yards on the 49ers' first possession.
• McCarthy reacts to his first win as the New York Giants' quarterback after being traded from the Minnesota Vikings.
• McCarthy gets his first win with the New York Giants.
• A lot of the frustration from McCaffrey seems to stems his effectiveness early on.
• "Adrenaline's going and everything's going, I came back to the sideline and it just slowly started to hurt, " he remarked.

J.J. McCarthy gets his first win with the New York Giants.

J.J. McCarthy reacts to his first win as the New York Giants' quarterback after being traded from the Minnesota Vikings.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a thigh injury late in the first quarter but afterwards returned to the game as San Francisco suffered its first defeat of the season in a 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 25.

For context, the 49ers, who were already without offensive weapons Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, were leaning heavily on McCaffrey early on and he delivered helping San Francisco score on its opening drive with 69 all-purpose yards.

"It sucks because I feel like I was going on a run there, " McCaffrey remarked. "My leg just died on me, just tried to obtain 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."

For context, a lot of the frustration from McCaffrey seems to stems his effectiveness early on. In the moments leading up to the first half injury, McCaffrey looked to have one of those shoulder-carrying performances in which he does it all for the Niners on offense.

"Adrenaline's going and everything's going, I came back to the sideline and it just slowly started to hurt, " he remarked. "I'll be fine. I'm not worried regarding it. It just sucks today since that was one of those ones where I just felt like I secured going."

He did all he could on the sidelines to stay ready. He stretched, utilized the elliptical bicycle on the sideline and did whatever he could to back to 100%. McCaffrey jogged to the locker room and afterwards returned in the second half, but his play took a noticeable dip. The All-Pro running back finished with 39 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards.

"I was just trying to keep it warm and not create it worst. But, it's only so much you can do to obtain back to where you want to be but I'll be fine. I know that, " McCaffrey remarked. "I'll be alright. I know I'll obtain this thing back and be ready."

McCaffrey's injury comes as the 49ers enter their Week 8 bye, giving the San Francisco time off to recover from injuries and prep for the next part of the season which begins with a home matchup welcoming the Las Vegas Raiders back to the Bay Area on Nov. 8.

Meanwhile, the 10-year veteran running back has put up 350 yards and 7 touchdowns on 77 carries and 28 catches for 190 receiving yards through seven games in the 2026 season. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around christian McCaffrey says his leg just died in 49ers loss to Falcons point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.