George Kittle was ruled out due to an Achilles injury during the final six minutes of the second quarter of the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, an injury later confirmed by the San Francisco 49ers on X. Fortunately for San Francisco, there is depth on the roster to help cover the position.
Behind Kittle on the 49ers’ depth chart are Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell. Tonges has been productive this season, scoring five touchdowns, while Farrell has recorded 11 receptions for 85 receiving yards and added two touchdowns for the team.
With Kittle sidelined, the 49ers obviously lose a veteran who knows what it takes to play in the postseason. Still, they’re not in the same position as in past seasons, when they had very limited depth available at tight end.
Eagles fans show respect for Kittle
In a genuinely classy moment, Eagles fans showed nothing but respect once they realized Kittle was being carted off the field. The scene was reported by John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia on X.
“Respect. Eagles fans clapping for George Kittle as he is taken off the field on a cart. George said this week he really appreciates how much Eagles fans love their team,” Clark posted on X. Fans in Philadelphia also echoed that sentiment across social media.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport described Kittle’s injury as devastating not only for San Francisco, but for the league as a whole: “Heartbreaking for one of the NFL’s best. George Kittle carted off after a non-contact injury.”
