John Clayton, ESPN Senior Writer 17y

Niners starting center Heitmann suffers broken leg

NFL, San Francisco 49ers

SEATTLE -- The San Francisco 49ers suffered a major blow in the first quarter of Thursday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.


Starting center Eric Heitmann suffered a broken right tibia on a Frank Gore running play. Seahawks defensive end Darryl Tapp hit into the side of Heitmann's lower leg in the pileout after Gore made a 3-yard run to the Seahawks 7.


Heitmann had to be taken off the field in a cart. X-rays revealed the break that will end his season. Tony Wragge took his spot at center.


John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

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