While Sunday night was a time for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans to celebrate the NFC Championship Game win over the Detroit Lions, there was some concern about the health of star running back Christian McCaffrey. Now those concerns seem to be moot.
McCaffrey ran for 90 yards in the come-from-behind win. The last 25 set up what would be the game-clinching touchdown. On the run, he landed on his head. That led to him coming out of the game, with backup Elijah Mitchell scoring on the next play. He didn’t return to the field for the game’s final possession, either, as Mitchell again got the carries that allowed the 49ers to run the clock out.
While McCaffrey didn’t play another snap, he also didn’t go to the locker room or medical tent. When the game was over, he was celebrating with the team on the field and wasn’t showing signs of discomfort. He later acknowledged that he was fine. So, things seemed OK. On Monday, that was confirmed. Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk reported on Monday night that “It appears there are no concerns with McCaffrey’s right shoulder.”
“Coach Kyle Shanahan did not mention McCaffrey’s name on an updated injury report during his Monday conference call with beat reporters,” Williams said.
While all signs pointed to McCaffrey avoiding a significant injury, the lingering concern on Sunday was that injuries often feel worse the day after they’re sustained. But it appears as though McCaffrey avoided that fate.
Still, injuries can sometimes feel worse the following day. But McCaffrey appears to have avoided that fate.
Williams added (per Shanahan) that George Kittle and Ambry Thomas “are the only players who could miss time” when the 49ers begin practicing on Thursday.

About Michael Dixon
About Michael:
-- Writer/editor for thecomeback.com and awfulannouncing.com.
-- Bay Area born and raised, currently living in the Indianapolis area.
-- Twitter:
@mfdixon1985 (personal).
@michaeldixonsports (work).
-- Email: mdixon@thecomeback.com
Send tips, corrections, comments and (respectful) disagreements to that email. Do the same with pizza recommendations, taco recommendations and Seinfeld quotes.
Recent Posts
Mikaela Shiffrin ends Olympic drought with dominant gold medal victory
Mikaela Shiffrin is widely considered the greatest Alpine skier of all time. However, over the past several years,...
Lindsey Vonn gives injury update: ‘My leg is still in pieces’
Last week, United States skiing legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a devastating injury after a major crash at the...
Taylor Swift sends a message to Team USA’s ‘Blade Angels’
As the superstar Team USA figure skating trio of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito prepared to...
U.S. figure skating superstar makes heartbreaking mistake at Olympics
United States figure skating superstar Amber Glenn entered the 2026 Winter Olympics as one of the favorites to...
Jessica Pegula to chair panel aimed at improving calendar
"It's one of the toughest sports."
Trinity Rodman headlining USWNT roster
"I expect our standards to keep improving."