The last thing the 49ers' offense needs is another injury to a key player. 

San Francisco is already set to operate the beginning of the season without star running back Christian McCaffrey. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year was placed on the IR ahead of Week 2 due to Achilles tendinitis and will miss at least four games for the 49ers. 

So, fans of the red and gold understandably had a brief moment of panic when tight end George Kittle exited the game on Sunday against the Vikings in a cart. However, he returned to the game minutes later, leading to a sigh of relief in the Bay Area. 

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Here is more on why Kittle left the Week 2 game. 

George Kittle injury update

Kittle was suddenly spotted in a cart leaving the playing surface in the third quarter of the game against the Vikings. It was unclear at the time the reason for his departure, considering there did not appear to be any play that resulted in an injury.

The 49ers did not provide an update on any injury to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. 

There's no injury update yet from the 49ers on TE George Kittle.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 15, 2024

Minutes later, the CBS broadcast reported that Kittle' temporary absence was due to cramps. He was carted off the field in order to receive an IV, and he returned to the game before the conclusion of the third quarter.