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San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey led the team’s offensive output in the victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
But the game-sealing touchdown late in the game was controversial, and one former NFL referee believes it shouldn’t have counted.
The 49ers led 13-10 with just over two minutes to play when Mac Jones snapped the ball at the four-yard line and, as he did most of the game, handed the ball off to McCaffrey. But while the Falcons’ defense appeared to stuff McCaffrey’s attempt for his second touchdown of the game, the pile kept moving until it dropped into the stained 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 Oct. 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
The referees signaled the touchdown and McCaffrey celebrated when it was clear the 49ers looked like they were on their way to victory.
However, video replay clearly showed that several teammates pulled McCaffrey into the end zone. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay, a rules analyst at NBC, joined the “Sunday Night Football” broadcast after play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico asked if he thought the touchdown should stand.
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“It is illegal to lift or pull the runner in any direction,” McAulay replied. “This should have been a foul to help the runner, 10-yard penalty from the spot of the infraction.”
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs 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 stand, but the 49ers would have had to move a significant amount of yards backwards. It had the potential to be a game-changing game for the Falcons, but Michael Penix & Co. was forced to play catch-up with not much time left.
However, this specific penalty is not one that officials often call. In fact, according to Football Zebras, which provides analysis and research on NFL officiating, the last time a player was penalized for pulling a teammate for yardage came in a playoff game in January 1991.
Cross the goal line or not, McCaffrey had himself quite the night as his 2025 season continues to be spectacular.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 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.
