The San Francisco 49ers are already with their eyes on the Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , but somehow feeling the effects of a Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On Saturday, the NFL announced the punished players from last week, and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is one of them.
It's just one of those where the NFL is stressing something, and it's the use of the helmet by running backs. Because of the unnecessary roughness in the third quarter of the Jaguars game, McCaffrey was fined $23,186. The play happened when CMC tried to tackle Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd after a Brock Purdy interception.
This is a new one: The NFL fined #49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey $23,186 for use of the helmet on this attempted **tackle** of #Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd last week. pic.twitter.com/vzwHBfa4EG
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2025
It's not a significant amount of money compared to McCaffrey's contract, but players obviously hate to lose money. Last offseason, the running back agreed to a two-year, $38 million extension with San Francisco. Now, he's under contract through 2027. This year alone, he's making $16.2 million. CMC is slated to make $12.5 million next year and $17.5 million in 2027. However, there are no guarantees beyond this season.
It's the second time this season that a 49ers star player is fined. Last week, linebacker Fred Warner was punished for the very same reason—unnecessary roughness due to illegal use of the helmet.
The NFL always announces the fines on Saturday for the previous week. Yes, the 49ers have already beaten the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday in Week 5, but potential penalties for this last game just come out next weekend.
While it’s tough to see football players losing money like that for normal plays, at least it goes to a good cause. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need.
Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Appeals officers and former NFL players, such as Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA, hear cases. The decisions made are final and binding.
The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules or flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing.
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