SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey had his first 100-yard rushing game since 2023 and the short-handed San Francisco 49ers finally delivered a strong ground game to beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-10 on Sunday night.

The usually run-focused 49ers (5-2) had struggled to generate much on the ground all season before getting back to their old style against the Falcons (3-3) with help from the return of tight end George Kittle.

McCaffrey ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns and had 201 yards overall from scrimmage for his first 200-yard game since 2019. The Niners won for the fourth time in five starts this season with backup quarterback Mac Jones playing in place of Brock Purdy.

San Francisco’s defense came up big as well despite losing All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to an ankle in

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