George Kittle injury update: Did 49ers TE tear his achilles? Video raises concerns

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered an injury during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Updated on: Jan 12, 2026, 04:51:46 IST

By Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

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UPDATE: The San Francisco 49ers confirmed that tight end George Kittle has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to an Achilles injury. Kittle suffered the injury with six minutes remaining in the first half in Philadelphia.

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images via AFP)

Recovery time for an Achilles injury can vary widely depending on severity. Mild cases, such as tendinitis from overuse, may take only a few weeks, while a complete rupture typically requires 4–6 months of recovery.

Also Read: Why is George Kittle not playing today vs Eagles? Here's what happened to 49ers TE

ORIGINAL STORY: San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered an injury during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter. He was taken off the field on a stretcher. While the exact details of the injury are not yet known, fans have speculated that it could be an Achilles tear after videos of the incident began circulating.

Also Read: Orthopaedic surgeon shares 4 tips for injury prevention, long-term bone and joint health: ‘Weakness leads to chronic…’

What happened at the game?

George Kittle was injured with six minutes remaining in the first half in Philadelphia.

The 49ers tight end went down after catching a 5-yard pass from QB Brock Purdy on the right sideline. As he tried to push off his right leg, Eagles safety Marcus Epps made the tackle. Kittle immediately grabbed his leg and remained on the field.

San Francisco’s medical staff attended to him, and he was taken off the field on a cart and brought to the locker room.

The team has not yet provided an official update on the injury, but it showed all the signs of a possible Achilles tear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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