6 days ago
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The San Francisco 49ers were dealt a massive blow on Sunday as All-Pro tight end George Kittle was ruled out of their season opener against the Seahawks with a hamstring injury.
Kittle had a strong start to the game as he racked up four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown.
But he was forced out of the game in the first half after running to block Seattle's Julian Love in the open field.
The play was Kittle's last of the game and he could be seen favoring his hamstring afterwards.
He was later seen on the sideline wearing a 49ers baseball hat as Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges replaced him at tight end.
Kittle, 31, missed two games with a hamstring injury last season but otherwise remained healthy as he racked up 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
George Kittle was ruled out of the 49ers' season opener with a hamstring injury
He was seen favoring his hamstring after running out to the open field to block
Kittle scored a touchdown for the 49ers before being forced to leave the game
He also dealt with a groin injury in 2023 but did not miss a game other than being rested in Week 17 after the 49ers had already clinched a playoff berth.
Kittle's injury comes as San Francisco remains without Brandon Aiyuk following his torn ACL and MCL last season.
Aiyuk is on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, meaning he will miss at least the first four games.
Christian McCaffrey - who played just four games last year - also sparked injury fears this week when he missed practice on Friday with a calf issue.
However, the running back was healthy enough to start for the 49ers in Seattle.
Kittle's injury came around the same time that Rams star wideout Puka Nacua was left with a bleeding eye from a big helmet-to-helmet hit.
The receiver was checked for a concussion but returned to the game for LA.
