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San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey led the team’s offensive production in a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
But the game-clinching touchdown late in the game was controversial, and a former NFL referee says it shouldn’t have counted.
The 49ers led 13-10 with just over two minutes left when Mac Jones got the ball at the four-yard line and, as he did for most of the game, gave the ball to McCaffrey. But when it looked like the Falcons defense blocked McCaffrey’s attempt on his second touchdown of the game, the pile kept moving until it fell into the colored paint.
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San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Dominick Puni (77) celebrates as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
The referees signaled the touchdown and McCaffrey was celebrating as it was clear the 49ers appeared to be on the verge of victory.
However, video replay clearly showed several teammates pulling McCaffrey into the end zone. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay, an NBC rules analyst, joined the “Sunday Night Football” show after play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico asked him if he thought the touchdown should stand.
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY’S OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION AND 49ERS DEFENSE HELP STYMIE FALCONS TO WIN
“It is illegal to lift or pull the runner in any direction,” McAulay responded. “Should have been a foul for assisting the runner, 10 yard penalty from the point of the foul.”
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) passes the ball past Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. (27) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
If a penalty was called, not only would the touchdown not stand, but the 49ers would have had to go back a significant yard. This had a game-changing opportunity for the Falcons, but Michael Penix & Co. were forced to play catch-up with little time left.
However, this specific punishment is not what authorities often call for. In fact, according to Football Zebras, which provides analysis and research on NFL referees, the last time a player was penalized for pulling a teammate for yardage was during a playoff game in January 1991.
Shot across the goal line or not, McCaffrey had a hell of a night as his 2025 season continues to be spectacular.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
He had 24 carries for 129 yards with two rushing scores, while leading the 49ers with seven catches for 72 yards to help his team go 5-2 through the first seven games of the season.
