George Kittle's Battle with Injuries: A Timeline of Resilience
George Kittle stands out as a powerful and dedicated tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. He plays with exceptional strength, speed, and passion for football. Few players in the NFL today match his physical intensity and commitment to the game.
However, injuries have consistently challenged Kittle throughout his career. These setbacks have forced him to miss games at various points. From his college days to professional football, health issues have followed him nearly every step of the way.
Despite these obstacles, Kittle's enthusiasm and love for football always drive him forward. He pushes himself hard and returns to the field as soon as possible after each injury. The Achilles injury he suffered during the 2026 playoffs, though, proved particularly damaging. It raised serious questions about his availability for the upcoming season.
A Season-by-Season Look at Kittle's Injury History
Here is a detailed timeline of George Kittle's significant injuries from 2016 to 2026:
- 2016: Kittle's injury history began before he entered the NFL. During his senior year at Iowa, he suffered a foot sprain in October. This injury benched him for the rest of the season, causing him to miss two games.
- 2017: Entering his rookie year with the 49ers, Kittle dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp. He missed about one week but was ready for Week 1 of the season. Later that year, a sprained ankle forced him to miss one game before he returned and finished the season.
- 2018: A preseason shoulder A/C joint separation raised early concerns for the tight end. Fortunately for San Francisco, tests showed no structural damage. This allowed Kittle to play in the season opener and avoid missing any games.
- 2019: Kittle experienced his first notable regular-season absence after spraining his knee against the Cardinals. He ended up missing two games that year.
- 2020: This year proved to be a serious test for Kittle. A sprained MCL in Week 1 sidelined him briefly for the season. He returned with a massive performance on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles, only to later fracture his foot. That injury landed him on injured reserve for the first time and cost him nearly two months.
- 2021: After the 49ers' loss to the Packers in Week 3, a calf strain became serious enough to require another injured reserve stint. But Kittle returned in November and managed six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.
- 2022: A groin strain forced Kittle to miss two early-season games that year. This problem would linger into the following season.
- 2023: Groin issues followed Kittle throughout the season, from training camp through November. He played through the discomfort but eventually needed surgery after the season ended.
- 2024: Hamstring problems continued to haunt Kittle. He missed one game early in the season and another later on, continuing a pattern of short but recurring absences.
- 2025: A Grade 3 torn hamstring in Week 1 led to a five-game absence, his longest since 2020. Later that season, a left ankle sprain caused him to miss another game.
- 2026: The Wild Card game against the Eagles proved most damaging for Kittle. He was carted off with an Achilles injury. The diagnosis put his postseason on hold and cast doubt over his appearance in the regular 2026 season.
George Kittle's career demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of persistent injuries. His ability to return strong each time highlights his dedication to football and the San Francisco 49ers.
