49ers’ George Kittle reaches out to fans on Instagram after season-ending injury
The season is over for George Kittle, but the positivity remains as strong as ever.
The 49ers’ tight end tore his right Achilles Sunday in a 23-19 wild card playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles on an unremarkable 6-yard pass from Brock Purdy with 5:58 left to go in the first half. On his only reception of the game, Kittle’s foot was twisted awkwardly on a tackle by Philadelphia safety Marcus Epps.
After being examined by the 49ers’ medical staff, Kittle departed on a cart. Even some of the hardcore Eagles fans cheered, which Kittle recognized with a wave.
Kittle talked to the team in the victorious locker room and received an acknowledgement from coach Kyle Shanahan in the postgame breakdown. The 49ers (13-5) will visit Seattle (14-3 in the divisional round Saturday at a time yet to be determined.
Kittle reached out on Instagram Monday with the following statement:
“Football sucks sometimes,” Kittle wrote. “But I love it. I love these guys and this team. Heartbroken but have felt so much love and support from everyone reaching out. I’ll be good. Thank you. We aren’t done yet! Also when your team owner is the first person to meet you in the locker room, you know you’re in a special place. Cheers, all my love.”
The statement was below a photo of Kittle with his wife Claire.
He reportedly received a bottle of tequila in the locker room, courtesy of owner Jed York.
It was the second significant injury of the season for Kittle, who sustained a torn hamstring in a season-opening win over Seattle and then missed six games while on injured reserve.
Despite the missed time, Kittle, still caught 52 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.
With the injury taking place so late in the year, Kittle won’t be a regular participant in OTAs and training camp and stands to miss a chunk of the 2026 season.
Kittle joins edge rusher Nick Bosa (ACL) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) with substantial injuries. Bosa was injured early enough he could be ready for 2026 depending his rehab. Warner is hoping to come back if the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game.
“I just felt horrible for Kittle,” Shanahan said. “Jake (Tonges)] and Luke (Farrell) had stepped it up for us all year, so I think guys had a lot of confidence in those guys that they could still do it and things like that, but I think everyone’s just hurting for Kittle.”