The San Francisco 49ers can breathe a sigh of relief: Christian McCaffrey is back on the field after suffering a thigh injury against the Atlanta Falcons.

For a while, it looked like another major setback for the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffrey injured his left thigh in the game against Atlanta and had to leave temporarily.

The 30-year-old was initially treated on the sideline and spent several minutes in the medical tent. He then tried to loosen up his leg before walking toward the locker room under his own power.

The 49ers initially listed McCaffrey as questionable to return. But after halftime came the good news: the running back was back on the field in the third quarter.

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With 8:30 remaining, McCaffrey was back in action. Whether the injury will have any further impact on his availability remains unclear, however.

McCaffrey makes a strong start before injury

Even before his temporary exit, the four-time Pro Bowler once again showed why he is one of the 49ers’ most important players.

McCaffrey led his team down the field on its opening drive. San Francisco needed just 10 plays to put together a 64-yard touchdown drive, which the running back capped with a 1-yard run into the end zone.

By the time he was injured, McCaffrey had already totaled 74 yards from scrimmage on seven touches. He gained 29 yards on four carries and caught three passes for another 45 yards.

While he was out, rookies Kaelon Black and Jordan James took on additional responsibilities in the backfield.

Black first provided a highlight with a 30-yard touchdown. Later, however, he lost a fumble that Atlanta recovered. James also let the ball slip away on a play, but San Francisco was able to recover it.

The 49ers need McCaffrey

McCaffrey’s return is especially important for the undefeated 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s team entered Week 7 with a perfect 6-0 record.

San Francisco was already without several injured key players before facing Atlanta. Quarterback Brock Purdy is particularly short on targets in the passing game.

That makes McCaffrey all the more important to the offense. In his first six games of the season, he had already recorded 350 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He had also added 190 receiving yards.

The fact that the running back is back on the field despite his thigh issues is at least a positive sign. His return, however, does not amount to definitive medical clearance.

After the game against Atlanta, San Francisco has a bye week. The 49ers will not play again until they face the Las Vegas Raiders on November 8.