The 49ers will have to navigate the rest of the postseason without their star tight end.

George Kittle had to be carted off the field after he suffered a torn Achilles injury after making a catch and being tackled along the sideline with 5:58 left in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 23-19 win over the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, ousting the defending champions from the playoffs.

Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the news after his team’s 23-19 win.

The former All-Pro caught a short first-down pass for six yards from Brock Purdy near the right sideline. He never quite had his footing as he was tackled by Eagles safety Marcus Epps.

Kittle, one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the league, immediately grabbed the back of his right ankle, which appeared to get twisted as he was driven out of bounds. 

It was his first catch of the game.

49ers owner Jed York and Kittle’s wife, Claire, walked into the team’s locker room and appeared visibly somber in the wake of the crushing injury, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported.

The seven-time Pro Bowler played just 11 games this season, as he was limited by injuries, including missing five contests with a hamstring injury.

When on the field, Kittle remained very productive with 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Eagles led the 49ers at the time of the injury, 13-7. Philadelphia took a 13-10 lead into the half.

The 49ers are looking to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2024, when they lost to the Chiefs.

San Francisco finished the season at 12-5, but saw the division rival Seahawks nab the No. 1 seed in the NFC.