49ers’ TE George Kittle Suffers Torn Achilles in Wild-Card Win Over Eagles [WATCH]

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s 23-19 wild-card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game, as reported by The Athletic.

The injury occurred on Kittle’s first catch of the contest. Early in the game, Kittle caught a short pass from quarterback Brock Purdy and gained six yards before being forced out of bounds by Eagles safety Marcus Epps.

As he went down near the sideline, Kittle appeared to injure his right leg. He was unable to put any weight on it and was later carted off the field for further evaluation.

Shanahan confirmed after the game that Kittle had suffered a torn Achilles, a significant blow to the 49ers despite the team advancing in the postseason.

Kittle did not return, and the team did not provide an immediate timeline for recovery beyond the diagnosis.

Shortly after the injury, 49ers owner Jed York and Claire Kittle, the tight end’s wife, were seen entering the locker room.

#49ers George Kittle posted for the first time since tearing his Achilles pic.twitter.com/V5wjt4pElW

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 12, 2026

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According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, both appeared visibly somber as they arrived following the news of the injury.

Kittle’s injury is the latest in a season marked by significant health challenges for San Francisco.

Nothing but love for 49ers George Kittle ❤️ pic.twitter.com/w4fMwQkRbP

— (@TheSFNiners) January 13, 2026

“When you lose a leader like that you never really lose him because his presence is still in this locker room and his energy is still here.”

Christian McCaffrey on the George Kittle injury and how 85 is the heart and soul of the Niners ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SidMCFqmBl

— KNBR (@KNBR) January 12, 2026

The 49ers’ Week 1 starters have played just 57 percent of the total offensive and defensive snaps this season, reflecting the extent of injuries across the roster.

Among the most notable were season-ending injuries to defensive end Nick Bosa, who tore his ACL in Week 3, and linebacker Fred Warner, who dislocated his ankle in Week 6.

While Warner could return later in the playoffs if the 49ers continue to advance, Bosa has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Kittle himself has battled injuries throughout the year. He spent time on injured reserve earlier in the season with a hamstring injury sustained during San Francisco’s season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks.

He was also inactive in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears due to an ankle injury.

Despite those setbacks, Kittle returned late in the season and played a key role in stabilizing the offense. His presence coincided with improved production from the running game and from players adapting to the 49ers’ offensive scheme.

When Kittle missed five and a half games earlier in the year, San Francisco struggled to run the ball consistently.

It was only after his return, and after newcomers had grown more comfortable in the system, that Christian McCaffrey and the offense found their rhythm.

Kittle’s loss adds to a long list of players the 49ers have been without for extended periods this season.

No! Don’t you dare take good guy George Kittle away from us! #NFLWildCard pic.twitter.com/dconuuUHnb

— Joe Braverman (@JoeBravermanPBP) January 11, 2026

At various points, the team played without Kittle, Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Bosa, Warner, and first-round draft pick Mykel Williams. Williams also suffered a torn ACL, further compounding the team’s injury concerns.

According to 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows, the severity of injuries to Bosa, Williams, and Kittle raises the possibility that their recoveries could extend into the 2026 season.

For now, San Francisco will move forward in the playoffs without one of its most important offensive pieces, having secured the wild-card win but facing the remainder of the postseason significantly short-handed.

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