With fewer teams playing and postseason rosters tightening, the overall injury landscape has naturally thinned, but that doesn’t mean the weekend was injury-free. In fact, several notable injuries emerged that carry implications well beyond this week’s games.
While most minor issues will fade as teams advance or are eliminated, a handful of situations stand out due to their potential to bleed into the 2026 season. These injuries not only impact playoff matchups but also force early conversations about offseason rehab timelines and roster planning. Below are the key injuries from the weekend.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
TE George Kittle, San Francisco | Achilles | Season-Ending
George Kittle was the headliner injury from this weekend. Unfortunately, Kittle went down with a non-contact injury, and based on the video, there was significant concern for an Achilles tendon tear. This was later confirmed after the game.
49ers TE George Kittle suffers torn Achilles, Kyle Shanahan confirms. pic.twitter.com/VzT0KguQu4
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2026
With the 49ers advancing out of the Wild Card round, they will be without George Kittle for the remainder of the playoffs. Looking ahead to next season, Kittle is a strong PUP candidate, as the injury timeline suggests he could miss the start of the year. Depending on the specifics of his recovery, a realistic return window would be anywhere from late October to early November.
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