The 49ers struggled while running back Christian McCaffrey was in the locker room with a thigh injury, but after the Falcons took the lead, McCaffrey returned.

An early 14-3 49ers lead has evaporated, and the Falcons are up 19-14 in the third quarter after a touchdown pass from Michael Penix to Kyle Pitts.

But the good news for the 49ers is that McCaffrey is back. After scoring a touchdown on the 49ers’ opening possession, McCaffrey suffered a thigh injury and was out for the second quarter, but when the 49ers got the ball for the first time in the third quarter, McCaffrey was back.

The 49ers are going to need him, as the Falcons have proven to be a tougher opponent than expected.