George Kittle Suffers Ankle Injury vs. Colts, Cites Hip-Drop Tackle: What We Know
The San Francisco 49ers came away with a convincing win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, but not without a scare involving one of their most important offensive weapons. Tight end George Kittle exited the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury - one he believes was caused by a controversial tackle technique that's been under increasing scrutiny around the league.
Let’s break down what happened, what Kittle had to say, and where things stand heading into Week 17.
The Play That Changed Things
Midway through the third quarter, on a first-and-10 snap, Brock Purdy found Kittle for a 22-yard gain - a vintage connection between the two former Iowa teammates. But the play ended with Kittle on the ground, clearly in discomfort. According to Kittle, the injury stemmed from what he described as a hip-drop tackle by Colts safety Cam Bynum.
“I feel like I got hip-dropped,” Kittle said postgame. “Ankle got stuck in the grass or the turf - the cork turf - really weird field.”
That kind of tackle, where a defender wraps up the ball carrier and drops their body weight down and to the side, has become a hot-button issue in NFL circles. It’s drawn criticism for the strain it places on the lower body of offensive players - and Kittle may now be the latest example of why.
Tried to Push Through - But Couldn't Finish
Kittle initially tried to play through it. After getting his ankle taped up, he returned to the field later in the third quarter.
On a third-and-long with 4:46 remaining in the quarter, he ran a crossing route but came up limping after trying to cut. That was the end of his night.
He walked off under his own power and headed to the bench, where he sat hunched over in visible pain. The team quickly listed him as questionable to return, but he did not see the field again in the 49ers’ 48-27 victory.
Kittle's Outlook: Cautious Optimism
Despite the injury, Kittle didn’t sound overly concerned when he met with reporters after the game. Dressed in a festive Christmas sweater - a classic Kittle move - the All-Pro tight end was in good spirits, even if his ankle wasn’t.
“My concern level? I don’t think it’s a high-ankle sprain,” he said. “So we’ll take it one day at a time and go from there.”
That’s an encouraging sign for 49ers fans, especially given how critical Kittle is to both the passing game and the team’s run-blocking schemes.
Impact on the 49ers Moving Forward
Before exiting, Kittle was having one of his most productive games of the season - seven catches, 115 yards, and a touchdown. He was a matchup nightmare for the Colts defense, as usual, and his chemistry with Purdy continues to be a major asset for San Francisco’s offense.
The 49ers will keep a close eye on his status in practice this week as they prepare for a Week 17 showdown with the Chicago Bears. Given the team’s postseason aspirations and Kittle’s importance to their offensive identity, they’ll likely take a cautious approach.
It’s worth noting that Kittle has already missed time this season - six games, in fact - after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Seahawks. He returned in mid-October and has been a difference-maker ever since.
Season Snapshot
Through 10 games this year, Kittle has posted 52 receptions for 599 yards and 7 touchdowns - strong numbers that reflect his continued role as one of the league’s elite tight ends. Whether it’s stretching the seam, bulldozing defenders after the catch, or sealing the edge in the run game, Kittle does it all - and the 49ers are a different team when he’s on the field.
Bottom Line
The 49ers got the win, but they’ll be holding their breath this week as they await more clarity on George Kittle’s ankle. His own assessment suggests it’s not a long-term issue, but with the playoffs looming, San Francisco will be hoping their star tight end is back to full strength - and soon.
For now, it’s a day-to-day situation. But any time George Kittle limps off the field, it’s something worth watching.