David Gonzales-Imagn Images

NFL Announces $7,201 Punishment After Christian McCaffrey Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 9, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Christian McCaffrey played a significant role in the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 9 victory. After a disappointing 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans in the previous week, the Niners were able to get back to winning ways with a 34-24 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 2.

McCaffrey registered a game-high 28 carries for 106 yards and one touchdown. That was the second time this season that the two-time All-Pro running back broke the 100-yard mark after he rushed for 129 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. McCaffrey capped off his strong performance against the Giants with five catches for 67 yards and one receiving TD.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey in September 2025Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

McCaffrey was involved in a contentious incident against New York. It came in the fourth quarter after Giants defensive back Dane Belton was flagged for a penalty for tripping McCaffrey. Belton extended his leg as the Niners star was tackled by New York linebacker Bobby Okereke. Belton was flagged for a personal foul, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty.

The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the incident, and they have now made their final decision. The league announced on Saturday that Belton has been fined $7,201 for unnecessary roughness. Belton was listed as one of the players who were fined as part of the weekly gameday accountability report.

This is the Giants DB’s first offense for unnecessary roughness. A second offense will carry a fine of up to $17,968. In 2023, he was fined $5,923 for unsportsmanlike conduct in a game ahgainst the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dane Belton flagged for tripping against Christian McCaffrey in Sunday's Giants-49ers game pic.twitter.com/5oZ4SS1E7b
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) November 5, 2025

Belton and the 2-7 Giants are back in action on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. McCaffrey and the Niners, who are now 6-3, will also return to the field on Sunday for a home matchup against the 6-2 Los Angeles Rams.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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