At a Glance
- George Kittle tore his right Achilles in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Eagles.
- The 49ers immediately ruled him out before halftime.
- Why it matters: The season-ending injury deprives San Francisco of its top receiving threat in a must-win playoff game.
Star tight end George Kittle is done for the night and almost certainly for the season after suffering a torn right Achilles in Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kittle Injury Timeline
The injury occurred on a routine 6-yard catch from quarterback Brock Purdy. Kittle was tackled and remained on the turf, immediately grabbing his lower right leg. Athletic trainers signaled for the cart and, minutes later, the team announced he would not return.
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the diagnosis after the game.
“The trainers knew before the cart came out and got word to me in the headset. Yes, a torn Achilles,” Shanahan said.
Prior Health Issues
Kittle had already missed time this season with separate hamstring and left-ankle problems. Neither of those injuries approached the severity of a torn Achilles, a recovery that typically spans months and requires surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation.
Game Impact
San Francisco entered halftime without Kittle, forcing the offense to lean on backup tight ends and wide receivers. Philadelphia’s defense adjusted by crowding the line of scrimmage, limiting the 49ers’ intermediate passing options that Kittle normally provides.
Season Outlook
Because the injury happened in the Wild Card round, Kittle’s 2024 campaign ends abruptly. The 49ers will move forward without their most reliable red-zone target and one of quarterback Brock Purdy’s favorite safety valves.
Key Takeaways
- Torn Achilles sidelines Kittle for the remainder of the playoffs.
- Backup tight ends must absorb his snaps and blocking assignments.
- Recovery timeline will likely extend into next season’s training camp.
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Daniel J. Whitman reported for News Of Losangeles.
