The San Francisco 49ers are moving on in the postseason, but their narrow 23-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles came with a gut punch that could reshape their playoff identity. While the scoreboard says advancement, the loss of George Kittle to a ruptured Achilles casts a long shadow over Santa Clara.
Kittle isn’t just a tight end - he’s the soul of this offense. A relentless blocker, a clutch pass-catcher, and an emotional leader, his absence leaves a crater in the middle of Kyle Shanahan’s system.
At 32, with a history of nagging injuries this season - groin, rib, hamstring - this Achilles tear could keep him sidelined not just for the rest of the postseason, but well into the 2026 regular season. It’s a brutal blow for a team that’s leaned heavily on his versatility to bully defenses at the line and stretch them downfield.
And Kittle’s injury is just the tip of the iceberg for a 49ers squad that’s looking more bruised than battle-ready heading into a high-stakes Divisional Round showdown with the Seattle Seahawks.
Let’s break down where the Niners stand on the injury front heading into Saturday night.
🔴 49ers Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
George Kittle, TE (Achilles)
Out.
Placed on injured reserve after suffering a ruptured Achilles against Philly. His season is over, and his 2026 campaign is already in jeopardy.
This is a massive loss - not just schematically, but emotionally. Kittle is the tone-setter, and without him, San Francisco will need to find a new engine to drive the offense.
Fred Warner, LB (Ankle)
Out.
Warner’s been working his way back from a broken and dislocated ankle suffered in Week 6, but he won’t be activated off IR for the Divisional Round. Even though he’s returned to practice, Kyle Shanahan confirmed he won’t suit up.
That’s a huge absence in the heart of the defense - Warner’s command and range are elite, and the Niners will have to lean on youth and depth to fill the void.
Trent Williams, LT (Hamstring)
Full go.
Williams was questionable heading into the Wild Card game but played - and played well. He’s been a full participant in practice this week, which is great news for Brock Purdy and the run game.
With Kittle out, Williams’ presence on the edge becomes even more important in both pass protection and run blocking.
Ricky Pearsall, WR (Knee)
Questionable, but trending up.
Pearsall missed the Eagles game but has been limited in practice this week. He told reporters he’s “pretty confident” he’ll be ready to go, though he admitted explosive movements are still tough to manage.
The second-year wideout has flashed big-play potential this season, and his return would give the offense a much-needed vertical threat.
Ji’Ayir Brown, S (Hamstring)
Out.
Brown exited the win over Philadelphia with a hamstring injury and hasn’t practiced since. He’s officially ruled out for Seattle.
That’s a tough hit for a secondary that’s already been tested by injuries this season.
Dee Winters, LB (Ankle)
Questionable.
The rookie has stepped up in Warner’s absence, logging major snaps at linebacker. He’s been limited in practice with an ankle injury but played through it last week.
He’s trending toward being available, but his mobility will be something to monitor.
📋 Full 49ers Injury List - Divisional Round
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|
| George Kittle | TE | Achilles | IR | | Fred Warner | LB | Ankle | Out |
| Ji’Ayir Brown | S | Hamstring | Out | | Jacob Cowing | WR | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Luke Gifford | LB | Quadricep | Questionable | | Ricky Pearsall | WR | Knee | Questionable |
| Dee Winters | LB | Ankle | Questionable | | Yetur Gross-Matos | DE | Knee | Cleared |
| Trent Williams | T | Hamstring | Cleared | | Keion White | DE | Groin/Hamstring | Cleared |
| Nick Bosa | DE | Knee (ACL) | IR | | Nick Martin | LB | Concussion | IR |
| Tatum Bethune | LB | Groin | IR | | Ben Bartch | OL | Foot | IR |
| Jordan Elliott | DT | Knee | IR | | Renardo Green | CB | Ankle | IR |
| Jervis Robinson | CB | Forearm | IR | | Tre Tomlinson | CB | Undisclosed | IR |
| Patrick Taylor | RB | Shoulder | IR |
🏈 What It Means Moving Forward
The 49ers are limping into Seattle. Kittle’s absence is seismic - there’s no sugarcoating that.
And with Warner still sidelined, the defense loses its most instinctive playmaker. Add in lingering questions about Pearsall, Winters, and the secondary, and this is a team that’s going to need every ounce of its depth, coaching, and resilience to keep the Super Bowl dream alive.
But this is still a roster packed with talent. Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Trent Williams are all healthy.
Brock Purdy has shown poise in big moments. And Shanahan has a knack for scheming around adversity.
Saturday night in Seattle won’t be easy - the Seahawks are rested, explosive, and dangerous. But if the Niners can weather the storm and find ways to adapt without their stars, they’ll keep their championship hopes intact.
🔜 NFL Playoff Schedule - Divisional Round
Saturday, Jan. 17
- Bills vs. Broncos - 4:30 p.m.
ET (CBS)
- 49ers vs.
Seahawks - 8:15 p.m. ET (FOX)
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Texans vs. Patriots - 3:00 p.m.
ET (ESPN)
- Rams vs.
Bears - 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
The road to Super Bowl LX is getting bumpier for San Francisco - but the journey’s far from over.