San Francisco 49ers registered back-to-back wins for the first time since September by overcoming the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday.

Running back Christian McCaffrey ran for 89 yards and a touchdown against his former team as the 49ers, who are third in the NFC West, boosted their play-off hopes with victory in Santa Clara, California.

McCaffrey, 29, who also had 24 carries and caught seven passes for 53 yards, was traded from the Panthers to the 49ers in October 2022.

Starting 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled in the first half as he was intercepted three times in the opening 21 minutes, which halted his side’s early offensive progress.