At a Glance
- George Kittle tore his right Achilles in the second quarter of Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Game
- The injury happened on a 6-yard reception from Brock Purdy
- Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the tear minutes after the game
- Why it matters: The star tight end now faces a long rehab and the 49ers enter the offseason without one of their top offensive weapons
The San Francisco 49ers’ playoff hopes took a crushing blow when tight end George Kittle went down with a right Achilles injury during the second quarter of their NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Moment It Happened
Kittle caught a short pass from quarterback Brock Purdy and was tackled after a 6-yard gain. He stayed on the turf, and trainers quickly signaled for a cart. Just before halftime, the team officially ruled him out.
Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters after the game and delivered the grim diagnosis.
> “The trainers knew before the cart came out and got word to me in the headset. Yes, a torn Achilles,” Shanahan said.
A Season of Injuries
This was not Kittle’s first health scare of the year. Earlier in the season he missed games because of separate hamstring and left-ankle issues. None of those setbacks compared to the severity of an Achilles tear, an injury that typically requires surgery and months of rehabilitation.
What Comes Next
With Kittle sidelined, the 49ers’ offense lost one of its most reliable pass catchers and blockers. The team now heads into the offseason facing questions about depth at tight end and how to keep their core players healthy for a full campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Kittle’s Achilles tear ends his 2025-26 season and puts his 2026 availability in doubt
- The injury occurred on a routine 6-yard reception in the second quarter
- Shanahan confirmed the diagnosis immediately after the contest
- San Francisco must now plan for life without its Pro Bowl tight end as it regroups for next year
