Former Hawkeye George Kittle Injured in 49er Playoff Win

Don't talk to the San Francisco 49ers about injuries this NFL season. They've played without their two best defensive players for most of the year. Quarterback Brock Purdy has missed time. Now, the heart and soul of the team, tight end George Kittle, is done for the year.

Former Hawkeye George Kittle Injured in Playoff Game

ESPN reports that with a little over six minutes left in the second quarter of Sunday's playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, Kittle made a simple six-yard catch in the flat. But as he tried to turn upfield, he was tackled by a Philly defender. Kittle stayed down after the play and had to be carted off the field.

The team would later confirm that Kittle had a torn Achilles and was done for the postseason, and a large part, if not all, of next season too, according to ESPN.

San Francisco Rallies Around Kittle's Absence

ESPN reports that 49er running back Christian McCaffery called Kittle the "heart and soul" of the team. Trailing 13-10 at halftime, the 49ers played without their star tight end and rallied to top the Eagles 23-19.

Former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy wasn't perfect, throwing two interceptions. But he was clutch down the stretch, leading a 66-yard touchdown drive, capped by a TD pass to McCaffery to put the 49ers up for good.

San Francisco Moves On to Play Division Rival The 49ers move on to the Divisional Round and will face division rival Seattle, according to ESPN. The Seahawks topped San Fransico 13-3 back on January 3rd.