Kittle Exits Week 1 Clash in Seattle After Hamstring Strain

George Kittle left Sunday’s season opener at Lumen Field in Seattle with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game, putting his availability for upcoming weeks in doubt.

The 49ers’ six-time Pro Bowler was injured on a second-and-22 block attempt in the second quarter, hobbling off-field before entering the medical tent. His early departure comes after he hauled in four catches for 25 yards and scored San Francisco’s opening touchdown.

Nut Graf

Kittle’s unexpected exit deprives quarterback Brock Purdy of his top security blanket and raises concerns about the tight end’s short-term outlook. Hamstring strains often require multiple weeks of recovery, potentially forcing the 49ers to adjust their game plan without their All-Pro playmaker.

Game Details

• Injury Play: On second-and-22, Kittle attempted a downfield block on Christian McCaffrey’s run and signaled for a substitute before limping to the sideline.
• Performance Before Exit: Four receptions, 25 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown that opened the scoring.
• Replacement Options: Backup tight ends Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges are expected to absorb increased snaps in his absence.

Impact and Outlook

Kittle, 31, inked a four-year, $76.4 million extension in April and delivered 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns last season. His absence will force the 49ers to lean more heavily on their wide receivers and tight end depth chart. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will await MRI results before determining a timeline, but industry projections suggest a 1-3 week recovery window if no further complications arise.

Looking Ahead

San Francisco hosts the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The team’s medical staff must balance urgency with caution to ensure Kittle’s full recovery, while the offense adapts to life without its field-stretching tight end.