Christian McCaffrey is 49ers’ latest star to enter injury tent

· California Post

Christian McCaffrey is the latest 49ers star to enter the injury tent.

Just about the only healthy playmaker left on San Francisco’s offense Sunday against the Falcons was deemed questionable to return with a thigh injury early in the second quarter.

McCaffrey jogged into the tunnel about five minutes before halftime after spending the majority of the period getting treatment in the medical tent.

McCaffrey appeared to get banged up as he handled a heavy load on the 49ers’ first two drives, taking four handoffs and hauling in three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (56) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He was spotted using a massage gun on his thigh between snaps and remained on the sideline for the entirety of their third drive before heading into the injury tent.

Without Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel or any of their top four receivers, McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle were Brock Purdy’s top remaining weapons.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, top, leaps into the end zone over Atlanta Falcons’ A.J. Terrell Jr. (24), Jared Ivey (51) and other defenders to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

More than halfway into the second quarter, none of the 49ers’ four active wideouts — Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, Christian Kirk and Jacob Cowing — had recorded a single target, let alone a catch.

Yet, San Francisco was able to move the ball for an early 14-9 lead, largely thanks to the early contributions from McCaffrey and Kaelon Black, who broke off a 30-yard touchdown run while the 49ers’ No. 1 running back was sidelined.