Christian McCaffrey Injury Drama Shakes 49ers Playoff Hopes

The San Francisco 49ers found themselves in a precarious position on January 17, 2026, as they squared off against the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated NFC Divisional Round playoff clash at Lumen Field. All eyes were on star running back Christian McCaffrey, whose health and performance have been central to the 49ers’ offensive game plan throughout the season. But as the game unfolded, a sudden injury scare sent shockwaves through the 49ers’ sideline and left fans holding their breath.

The contest got off to a nightmarish start for San Francisco. The Seahawks struck early, taking a 7-0 lead on the opening kickoff, and by the time the first quarter concluded, the 49ers were staring at a daunting 17-0 deficit. The offense, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, struggled to find its rhythm against Seattle’s vaunted defense. If there was any hope for a comeback, it would rest on the shoulders of McCaffrey, the team’s most dynamic playmaker.

McCaffrey did his best to keep his team in the fight during the first half, playing a pivotal role on both of San Francisco’s scoring drives. By halftime, he had already racked up nine carries for 29 yards and added five receptions for another 39 yards—numbers that underscored his importance to the 49ers’ attack. But late in the second quarter, disaster struck. McCaffrey delivered a chip block on a pass play, only to collide with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The impact left him in clear pain, and he exited the field clutching his shoulder.

According to the 49ers’ medical staff, McCaffrey had sustained a stinger—a nerve injury commonly affecting the neck and shoulder area. The team quickly ruled him questionable to return, and he was seen on the sideline being treated by trainers as the first half wound down. As the 49ers headed to the locker room at halftime, their star running back’s status hung in the balance.

The start of the second half brought little relief for San Francisco fans. McCaffrey was absent from the opening drive, and backup Brian Robinson Jr. took the first carries of the half, with rookie Jordan James—who had seen scant playing time all season—also getting a touch. The 49ers trailed 24-6, and the offense looked increasingly out of sync without its top weapon. Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi reported, "McCaffrey suffered a stinger and was doing everything he could to get back on the field." The sense of urgency was palpable, but the reality was grim: San Francisco faced a massive deficit against a Seahawks defense that had shown itself to be nothing short of elite.

Injuries have been a recurring theme for the 49ers this season, and the divisional round was no exception. Already missing All-Pro tight end George Kittle due to a season-ending Achilles injury, the team had to contend with absences from key defensive stalwarts like Fred Warner (ankle), Nick Bosa (knee), Mykel Williams (knee), Tatum Bethune (groin), Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring), and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). The running back room—previously one of the healthier groups—was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as McCaffrey’s availability became uncertain.

As the third quarter progressed, hope flickered for the 49ers. With 6:45 left in the quarter, McCaffrey returned to the field, drawing a roar from the San Francisco faithful and a collective sigh of relief from the coaching staff. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reported, "McCaffrey missed two drives for the 49ers but was able to check back in midway through the third quarter after dealing with a stinger." While his return was a boost, the injury was expected to limit his reps and effectiveness for the remainder of the game.

But the rollercoaster ride was far from over. McCaffrey’s pain was evident, and the 49ers’ offense continued to sputter against a relentless Seahawks defense. Late in the fourth quarter, McCaffrey exited the game once again, his shoulder clearly still bothering him. The official word from the team was that he remained questionable to return, and pain management would be a factor if he saw any more action. The revolving door in the backfield continued, with Robinson Jr. and James splitting carries in his absence.

Despite his best efforts, McCaffrey’s injury woes mirrored the broader struggles of the 49ers on this night. The offense never fully recovered from his absence, and the team’s depth at running back was put to the test. As one report put it, "The offense hasn't been able to get anything going with the star in the game, so it's hard to imagine how much more successful they'd be without him." The Seahawks’ defense, meanwhile, capitalized on every opportunity, making a 49ers comeback appear increasingly improbable as the clock ticked down.

For McCaffrey, the night was a testament to his toughness and determination. He finished the game with nine carries for 29 yards and five receptions for 39 yards—solid numbers considering the circumstances. Yet the lingering effects of the stinger were impossible to ignore. FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi summed it up: "Stingers aren't long-term injuries, and it's possible CMC winds up getting back into the fray before the game's conclusion. Unfortunately, however, the Niners are trailing by a massive margin and likely didn't have enough firepower to stage what'd have to be an epic comeback anyway."

As the divisional round showdown wound toward its conclusion, the 49ers faced not only a formidable opponent in the Seahawks but also the harsh realities of a season plagued by injuries. The status of Christian McCaffrey will be a storyline to watch as San Francisco looks ahead, with the hope that their star running back can recover in time for any potential postseason action. For now, the 49ers must regroup, reassess, and hope that the worst of their injury woes are behind them as they continue their playoff journey.