Injuries are every athlete’s nightmare. You train, you compete, you push your limits…and sometimes your body pushes back. Caitlin Clark had been almost injury-free her entire career, until this season gave her a real taste of the sidelines. She ended up playing just 13 games and spent weeks watching her teammates instead of competing.

And when another Iowa alum, George Kittle, went down, Clark was one of the first to send him love and prayers.

Star tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 23–19 Wild Card win, a result that kept San Francisco alive in the NFC playoffs. The injury stunned fans, and Kittle later took to Instagram to share an emotional update. His caption read, “Football sucks sometimes. But I love it. I love these guys and this team. Heartbroken but have felt so much love and support from everyone reaching out. I’ll be good. Thank you. We aren’t done yet!”

Caitlin Clark was one of the first to offer support, writing, “You’re gonna be back better than ever !!! We are proud of you!!!!!” But she wasn’t the only former Hawkeye to show love. Her backcourt partner in Iowa, Kate Martin, also chimed in, writing, “Wishing for a speedy recovery!”

Kittle was injured on a routine play. After securing a short 6-yard reception, he attempted to turn upfield before being tackled. As contact was made, Kittle’s right leg gave out, and he immediately grabbed the back of his lower leg. He was carted off the field and ruled out for the remainder of the game, leaving the 49ers without one of their most important players.

An Achilles tear often means months of rehab, so it will be interesting to see when Kittle can return from his injury. For now, he will be hoping to stay present for his teammates during this tough playoff stretch, much like Caitlin Clark had to during the WNBA season.

The seven-time Pro Bowler had already missed six games with a hamstring injury, taking his tally for the season to just 11 games– similar to Caitlin Clark’s 13-game season. It stands as the second-fewest games of his NFL career. Kittle was second on the team in receptions and tied for second in touchdowns, and his absence leaves the 49ers with a huge void.

Speaking of injuries, Caitlin Clark finally made her long-awaited return in December, and here’s what she had to say about it.

Caitlin Clark Declares She’s ‘100%’ Ready

The last time we saw Caitlin Clark in an official game was July 15. Six to seven months have gone by and fans are still waiting for her full competitive return. But in December, Clark finally got back to full-court action at the USA senior team training camp held at the K Center.

Clark wore the USA senior team jersey for the first time and attended the camp with her Fever teammate Aliyah Boston. It was a stacked and competitive group, with 10 debutants such as Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Lauren Betts, as well as established veterans such as Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray.

“I’m at 100%,” Clark told the media when asked about her current fitness levels. “Obviously, I need to knock off a little bit of rust and get my lungs back, but my body feels really good. I feel like I’m in a really good spot. So, my main goal is just staying that way.”

The Fever were knocked out by the Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-five semifinal that needed all five games — and overtime in Game 5. Fever fans will always wonder what might have happened if Clark was healthy for the decider.

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And for exactly that reason, Clark will be hoping that once the new season starts, she won’t have to deal with these nagging injuries anymore, because nobody wants to be out there performing and entertaining more than she does.