49ers' injury nightmare comes true with George Kittle hurt vs. Eagles

The San Francisco 49ers needed every key offensive weapon possible to overcome a stout Philadelphia Eagles defense in the Wild Card round.

Unfortunately, however things go for the Niners throughout the balance of the game at Lincoln Financial Field, they'll have to do so without arguably their biggest offensive star, tight end George Kittle.

With San Francisco trailing 13-7 late in the second quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy hit Kittle for a short pass.

But, as the All-Pro tight end was backing up, he dropped awkwardly to the ground before being contacted by a Philly defender.

On the replay, it appeared as if Kittle's Achilles popped, suggesting a very serious injury. And a cart needed to come out to grab the NFL fan-favorite:

George Kittle's injury epitomizes 49ers' brutal season in terms of health

The 49ers have lost plenty of star power over the course of the regular season, not including being without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk all year.

Kittle landed on IR with a hamstring issue early in the year, ultimately coming back, while Purdy missed eight starts with a turf-toe issue. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been in and out of the lineup, while defensive All-Pros in linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa were hit by season-ending injuries, too.

It seems as if Kittle will be added to that latter list, assuming it's an Achilles tear.

The Niners got by during Kittle's previous absence with No. 2 tight end Jake Tonges, who'll likely be called upon for however long San Francisco remains in the playoffs.

Yet Tonges is nowhere near the all-around X-factor Kittle is, not just in terms of pass-catching prowess but also in the ability to support the run.

That'll likely make the 49ers' prospects for pulling off an upset over Philadelphia significantly more difficult, and should the Niners advance, they'll be continuously at a major disadvantage without the league's best all-around tight end.