George Kittle’s Brutal Injury vs. Eagles Had Fans Feeling Heartbroken for 49ers' Star

George Kittle exited the 49ers’ wild-card round game against the Eagles on Sunday with an Achilles injury, and fans are fearing the worst.

As Kittle was carted off, even the fans in Philadelphia saluted him. The two-time All-Pro tight end was injured while making a six-yard gain on a reception during the second quarter. His right Achilles appeared to pop while he made a cut during the play.

He was down for a few minutes before being carted off the field.

Fans and pundits across the NFL were really upset by the development and took to social media to share their feelings.

49ers fans after watching Kittle get carted off… pic.twitter.com/zeupjN13hV
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) January 11, 2026

49ers fans seeing George Kittle injured pic.twitter.com/wrECIvKKQM
— Blake (@FrostedBlakes34) January 11, 2026

Kittle is awesome. Let him get back out there on the deer. pic.twitter.com/HDQEYKQFrh
— John Kriesel (@johnkriesel) January 11, 2026

FanDuel after seeing the George Kittle injury
pic.twitter.com/qex5qhhKCx
— Burch (@braden_burcham_) January 11, 2026

49ers’ owner Jed York and Claire Kittle, the wife of George Kittle, just walked into the San Francisco 49ers locker room.
Both appeared visibly somber.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 11, 2026

The @Eagles fans showing respect to George Kittle as he exits on the cart. An opposing player that has earned their respect.
— John Kincade (@JohnKincade) January 11, 2026

It wouldn’t be a 49ers game without a devastating injury to one of their best players. Hate to see Kittle go down pic.twitter.com/hGPxGq83dy
— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) January 11, 2026

Man, I really hope that wasn't the end of George Kittle. I have loved watching him play.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) January 11, 2026

God I feel sick for Kittle
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) January 11, 2026

Former teammate Deebo Samuel joined the chorus of people upset by the development.

Nooo 85🤦🏾‍♂️🙏🏾
— Deebo (@19problemz) January 11, 2026

It appears Kittle might already be on his way to drowning his sorrows:

A San Francisco 49ers employee just walked into the locker room carrying what appeared to be a bottle of tequila.
Best guess? it’s for George Kittle.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 11, 2026

Kittle battled injuries this season and only played in 11 games. Despite missing time, he had 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. He entered 2025 coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Seahawks and didn’t return until Week 7.

With Kittle out, San Francisco will have to lean heavily on Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Kennings, and Demarcus Robinson in the passing game. Jake Tonges is the next tight end up for the Niners. Quarterback Brock Purdy will need to spread the wealth to his other weapons to beat the Eagles.