San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field.

George Kittle might be the soul of the San Francisco 49ers.

On Sunday, that took a major hit as the tight end was forced out of the team's Week 1 matchup with a hamstring injury. It's a tough start to the season for the All-Pro, who is a major part of what the 49ers like to do.

They are now faced with the impossible task of trying to replace the star as the offense continues to adjust to its new personnel.

Here's the latest on Kittle.

George Kittle injury update

Kittle has been ruled out for the remainder of the 49ers' game against the Seahawks with a hamstring injury.

The tight end finishes his Week 1 action with four catches, 25 yards and a touchdown. He's been a key weapon for Purdy in the passing game and is almost impossible to replace.

Given the nature of hamstring injuries, it's unclear how long this will linger and if Kittle has to miss additional time.

Luke Farrell figures to be next in line to receive playing time at tight end, but Purdy will have to rely on his receivers more to get the offense rolling.

Injuries have been a constant for the 49ers over the years, routinely losing key players for significant lengths of time. In 2024, they notably lost Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams and others for long stretches.

Kittle is the first to join that list in 2025 – a list San Francisco hopes doesn't extend much further beyond its star tight end.

49ers TE depth chart

Without Kittle, the San Francisco depth chart at tight end is alarmingly thin. Here's a look:

  1. Luke Farrell
  2. Jake Tonges

The 27-year-old Farrell has been primarily a backup in his career, inking a three-year deal worth $15.75 million in free agency. In four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Farrell recorded 36 receptions and 318 yards, failing to score a touchdown.

Tonges has primarily been a special teams player, participating in 16 games for the 49ers in 2024. He initially signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022, appearing in four games.

As for Tonges' ability as a receiving option, he has been targeted once in 20 career games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Kittle injury update: 49ers TE ruled out after injuring hamstring vs. Seahawks

Reporting by Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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