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San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey carried the team’s offensive production in the win 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 were leading 13-10 with just over two minutes remaining when Mac Jones snapped the ball at the four-yard line and, just as he did for most of the game, gave the ball to McCaffrey. But even though it looked like the Falcons defense blocked McCaffrey’s attempt at 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 Oct. 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Image Images)
The referees called a touchdown and McCaffrey was celebrating, as it was clear that the 49ers seemed to be on the brink of victory.
However, replay video clearly showed several teammates pushing McCaffrey into the end zone. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay, an NBC rules analyst, joined the “Sunday Night Football” broadcast after host Mike Tirico asked him if he thought the touchdown should stand.
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“It is illegal to lift or pull the runner in any direction,” McAulay responded. “This should have been a foul for assisting the running back, 10-yard penalty from the foul spot.”
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 Oct. 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Image Images)
If a penalty were called, not only would the touchdown not stand, but the 49ers would have had to go back a significant distance. It had a chance to be a game-changing play for the Falcons, but Michael Penix & Co. were forced to play catch-up with not much time left.
This specific penalty, however, is not one that officials frequently ask for. In fact, according to Football Zebras, which provides analysis and research on NFL officiating, the last time a player was penalized for throwing to a teammate for yardage was in a playoff game in January 1991.
Crossing the goal line or not, McCaffrey had a good 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/Image Images)
He had 24 carries for 129 yards with two rushing touchdowns, while leading the 49ers with seven receptions for 72 yards to help his team go 5-2 in the first seven games of the season.
