In the middle of a quarterback shootout, the 49ers saw another one of their key offensive pass-catching options go down.
During the third quarter of the “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Colts, San Francisco announced star tight end George Kittle was questionable to return to the game due to an ankle injury.
It’s an alarming sign for the 49ers, who are set for the playoffs after they clinched a spot on Sunday following the Steelers’ pulling out a win over the Lions on Sunday.
While running a route and cutting across the field, the six-time Pro Bowler aggravated his left ankle and was seen limping off the field.
Kittle didn’t immediately go into the medical tent and instead attempted to loosen up for the next drive, however, at the start of the fourth quarter, the tight end was on the sideline as the offense took the field.
He was seen with his head in his hands on the bench as the game continued and Luke Farrell replaced him on the field for the remainder of the game.
Before the injury, Kittle hadn’t missed a snap of the game and tallied seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. However, the 49ers didn’t necessarily need him for the rest of the night.
With a seven-point lead after the Colts scored a touchdown to start the fourth quarter, the 49ers quickly answered with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Christian McCaffrey to extend their lead to 14 points
Minutes later, it seemed the Colts finally had their breakaway chance as they had their first takeaway of the game when safety Camryn Bynum intercepted a pass from Purdy up the middle, which was intended for Kendrick Bourne.
However, Dee Winters had an interception of his own for a pick-six to seal the win for the 49ers.
He was still seen on the field shaking hands with the Colts following the 49ers’ big 48-27 victory that gave them the ability to win out and be the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
In a season that has been filled with injuries for San Francisco, Kittle’s ailment would be quite costly. He previously missed five games due to a right hamstring injury and has recorded 52 receptions for 599 yards and seven touchdowns this season. The 49ers are already down receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle)
After a Super Bowl appearance in 2023 and missing the playoffs a year ago, the 49ers are hoping to bounce back heading into the postseason.
