PHILADELPHIA — The San Francisco 49ers experienced a bittersweet conclusion to their wild-card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday when star tight end George Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, effectively ending his season. The injury occurred late in the first half of the contest, overshadowing the 49ers' 23-19 victory that keeps them in contention for the Super Bowl.
Although clearly injured, Kittle demonstrated resilience and team spirit by applauding his teammates as he was assisted off the field on a cart. "I think everyone's just hurting for Kittle," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, reflecting the collective disappointment surrounding the incident.
The 49ers eliminated the defending Super Bowl champions with the win, thanks in part to a decisive late-game touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to running back Christian McCaffrey. However, Kittle was unable to join the postgame celebrations due to his injury.
Kittle's injury came during a play in which he was pushed out of bounds after securing a 6-yard reception. He immediately clutched the back of his lower right leg, leading to his removal and subsequent diagnosis that ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
This injury marks a significant setback for the 49ers as Kittle has been a fundamental element in both their running and passing schemes. His contributions have been limited to just 11 games this season, as he previously missed five due to a hamstring issue and another game in Week 17 because of an ankle problem.
The catch against the Eagles was Kittle's only reception in the game. Christian McCaffrey, a central figure in the 49ers' offense, acknowledged Kittle's influence on the team: "This team has carried the character of George Kittle throughout the entire year. Since I got traded here, he’s been the heart and soul of the entire team. It’s a tough loss. When he’s not playing, it means a lot. When you lose a leader like that, you never really lose him because his presence is still in the locker room. His energy is still here."
Over the season, Kittle accumulated 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. Notably, during the game, he paid tribute to Bob Weir, the late founding member of the Grateful Dead and a prominent 49ers fan, by displaying "DEAD FOREVER" taped around his left ankle. Weir's death was announced the day before, at age 78.
In addition to Kittle's injury setback, Shanahan indicated that All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner likely will not return for the upcoming NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. Warner suffered a dislocated and broken right ankle during an October loss at Tampa Bay. A multiple-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, Warner's absence represents another costly loss for the 49ers. Shanahan stated the chances of Warner's recovery in time for the next game are "not very high."