San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges was the hero of the team's Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Tonges stepped in for an injured George Kittle (hamstring) and caught the go-ahead touchdown with just over a minute and a half left in the game. With Kittle now on injured reserve, Tonges is now the favorite to act as San Francisco's first-string tight end. Unfortunately, quarterback Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) has been ruled out for the 49ers' next game, meaning Mac Jones will be under center when they face the Saints on Sunday. Tonges had the play of the game but saw only two other targets in Kittle's stead last week. Fantasy managers looking for streaming tight end options can probably find a more reliable option on the wire for Week 2.
Sep 13, 2025 4:14 AM EST
With the San Francisco 49ers placing All-Pro tight end George Kittle (hamstring) on the IR on Tuesday, the team is left with only Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges at the position. While fullback Kyle Juszczyk could be asked to handle an expanded role, it was the fourth-year tight end Tonges who stepped in on Sunday following Kittle's departure due to a hamstring injury. Tonges made the first three catches of his NFL career, including a 4-yard TD pass with under two minutes to play. With quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) also banged up, the 49ers' offense may look entirely different heading into Week 2. While the gameplan will continue to be funneled directly through Christian McCaffrey, the team will be looking for contributions wherever they can get them, and Tonges could be in line for his first career start. While his effectiveness could be capped in a Mac Jones offense, desperate managers can throw a waiver dart in hopes of volume by necessity.
Sep 9, 2025 2:50 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges hauled in three catches for 15 yards, including the game-winning touchdown, in his team's 17-13 Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Tonges took over as the team's lead receiving tight end after George Kittle (hamstring) was forced out of the game early with a hamstring injury. Tonges had not recorded a catch in 20 NFL games heading into Sunday, but he could become a relevant piece in San Francisco's offense if Kittle is forced to miss time. 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) also left Week 1 early, so San Francisco is searching for pass-catchers behind wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and running back Christian McCaffrey. Tonges is a possible waiver-wire add for fantasy managers in deep leagues, pending the coming injury updates on Kittle.
Sep 8, 2025 11:05 AM EST
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday that tight end Jake Tonges and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants signed their one-year, exclusive-rights tenders. Both players will return to the Bay Area for the 2025 season. Tonges, 25, began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2022 and appeared in 16 games with the Niners in 2024 but was not used at all on offense on just 34 snaps. He'll make $1.03 million this year after re-signing. Instead, he played 232 snaps on special teams and had two solo tackles. The former undrafted free agent out of California will most likely serve in a similar role as a special-teams ace for San Fran in 2025. Pleasants, 27, started his career in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers and then played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and with the Niners last year. He has appeared in just five NFL games over three seasons.
Apr 18, 2025 12:00 AM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
