Christian McCaffrey leaves 49ers game at Atlanta with a thigh injury

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey left Sunday's game at Atlanta with a thigh injury and headed to the locker room late in the second quarter. The team listed him as questionable to return, and Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter all relayed the update.

What is confirmed

McCaffrey first went to the medical tent, then the 49ers announced the thigh injury and his questionable status. About 10 minutes later he headed to the locker room. San Francisco led 14-9 with 2:00 left in the first half when he went inside.

Before the injury he was the offense's busiest player. ESPN's box score had him at 4 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown, plus 3 catches for 45 yards on 3 targets.

Kaelon Black has carried the load on the ground so far, with 11 carries for 60 yards and a 30-yard touchdown run. Jordan James has one carry and one catch.

What is still unknown

Nobody has said how serious the injury is or whether there is any concern beyond today. A thigh injury can mean a bruise he plays through next week or a muscle strain that costs games, and the team has not given any detail yet. Expect a halftime update, and the clearer answer likely comes from the team on Monday or from an MRI report.

Why it matters for RSO rosters

McCaffrey is a top contract on a lot of RSO rosters, and San Francisco is already thin at receiver with Deebo Samuel (hamstring) out today. If McCaffrey misses time, Black becomes the clear early-down back and gets real value in PPR formats as well.

What RSO owners should do now

If you roster McCaffrey, there is nothing to swap today since the game is locked. Plan for a quiet second half from him either way.

If Black is on your waiver wire, put in a claim or make a cheap bid now before Monday news drives the price up. McCaffrey owners without Black should treat him as their first handcuff target. Hold off on selling McCaffrey in a panic; his trade value drops the most right now, before anything is known.

Next, watch whether he returns in the second half, then for the 49ers' Monday update and any imaging results.