SANTA CLARA, Calif.," (AP) — Brock Purdy's return was supposed to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense and carry an injury-riddled defense on a playoff run.

The script was flipped in his second game back.

The Niners defense limited the damage from three first-half interceptions by Purdy and the offense turned conservative in the second half as San Francisco beat the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday night to remain in playoff position in the NFC.

But if the 49ers (8-4) are going to make a postseason run this season, they will need far better play from Purdy than what he showed during a stretch when he threw interceptions on three straight first-half drives.

“Just had three throws he’d love to take back,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. "They’re all three good decisions. Just a hair late

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