HOUSTON – Christian McCaffrey was bottled up, surrounded by the Texans’ relentless defense armed with motivation and the knowledge of just how pivotal the star running back is to the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. McCaffrey didn’t have much, if any, breathing room to operate during the Texans’ 26-15 win Sunday at NRG Stadium.

Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs after a handoff from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey became the fifth running back in NFL history, joining three Hall of Famers, to hit new milestone.

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San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey speaks to reporters after the 49ers' 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday at NRG Stadium.Christian McCaffrey discusses 49ers' ‘next-man-up' mentali

Christian McCaffrey has been named Week 7 NFC Offensive Player of the Week after gaining over 200 total yards in the 49ers' win over the Falcons.

Christian McCaffrey has his first 100-yard rushing game since 2023, helping the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-10 on Sunday night

The problem has been kickoffs. Pineiro followed his third-quarter field goal with a line-drive kickoff the Falcons returned 45 yards to the 49ers’ 48-yard line. The play gave Atlanta momentum, and the Falcons converted it into a 10-yard catch-and-run touchdown to Robinson to close San Francisco’s lead to 13-10.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 981 scrimmage yards (516 receiving, 465 rushing) this season