Why 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey received odd fine from NFL after Week 4 loss to Jaguars
McCaffrey wasn't penalized on the play but the NFL fined him after the fact

Christian McCaffrey received an odd fine from the NFL stemming from a play during the 49ers' Week 4 loss to the Jaguars.
The 49ers' running back was fined $23,186 for the use of his helmet during his attempted tackle of Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd after a Brock Purdy interception. McCaffrey launched with his helmet before making contact with Lloyd, who had two interceptions during the Jaguars' 26-21 win.
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
While he is an offensive player, McCaffrey became a defender on the play after the change of possession and that ultimately resulted in him being fined. In that vein, the NFL treated him as a defensive player who -- in the league's eyes -- used his helmet in an inappropriate manner.
McCaffrey did not receive a penalty on the field, but the league hit him with a fine after the fact.
While rare, McCaffrey isn't the first notable running back who has been punished by the league for going after a defensive player. Former Dolphins Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka, for example, was once flagged for unnecessary roughness after knocking over a defensive back with his forearm.
While he isn't as physical as Csonka, McCaffrey is also a powerful player who has parlayed said power into a decorated NFL career. A three-time Pro Bowler, McCaffrey is also a two-time All-Pro who spearheaded the 49ers' run to the Super Bowl two years ago. He has played a key role in the 49ers' 3-1 start this season.