Should I Start Jake Tonges?

Friday, May 29, 10:11 AM

Across 17 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges recorded 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns on 46 targets. Nearly all of the 26-year-old's production in games where top 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) was either sidelined or forced to leave early due to injury. In seven such contests, Tonges recorded five top-12 fantasy finishes at the tight end position. While a healthy Kittle will block Tonges from consistent fantasy production, Kittle is currently working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his 2025 season in January. The veteran Kittle is targeting Week 1 as his return date, but that would be just eight months after the injury and may not be feasible. As a result, Tonges profiles as a quality stopgap injury replacement for Kittle managers. In dynasty formats, Tonges may even profile as the tight of the future in San Francisco with Kittle entering his age-33 season and coming off a serious injury.