SF Jake Tonges
NFL player. Position: TE. Team: SF.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Team: SF (San Francisco 49ers)
- Bye week (2026): 8
- Background: 2022 undrafted free agent who has developed into a capable backup
2026 Outlook
Tonges' 2026 season is over after just one game. He suffered an MCL injury in the 49ers' Week 1 loss to the Rams in Australia and has been placed on injured reserve, ending his chance to help George Kittle's recovery effort. His 2-year, $8M contract extension (signed in July) made him a key depth piece for the team, but durability remains a concern after consecutive seasons dealing with lower-body injuries. He earned a 77.9 offensive grade from PFF in 2025 and stepped up significantly when Kittle was injured, but now the 49ers must look elsewhere for tight end depth. (per 49ers' George Kittle is PFF's top TE — but can he return to form?) and (per 'Really Tough Loss,' 'More Substation Casualties' — NFL Fans React to Devastating De'Zhaun Stribling Injury Update for 49ers - Yahoo Sports)
Role / Depth Chart
Backup tight end. Likely to see significant snaps early in 2026 while Kittle recovers; role may diminish once Kittle returns to full health.
Injury Status
Week 1 MCL injury (Sept 10-11, 2026): Tonges suffered an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury to his knee in the second quarter of the 49ers-Rams Week 1 game in Australia. Coach Kyle Shanahan said "It wasn't good" and noted "there's some issues with it that we've got to see how it is," suggesting the medical staff expects him to miss significant time. The full extent of the injury won't be known until the 49ers return from Australia and conduct comprehensive testing. Tonges signed a 2-year, $8M contract extension in 2026 after strong 2025 backup performance, making this injury particularly costly for a team that needs him healthy behind George Kittle. (per 49ers tight end Jake Tonges suffers MCL injury, Kyle Shanahan says "it wasn't good")
Recent News
- 2026-09-11 — 49ers tight end Jake Tonges suffers MCL injury, Kyle Shanahan says “it wasn’t good” (49ers tight end Jake Tonges suffers MCL injury, Kyle Shanahan says “it wasn’t good”)
- 2026-09-11 — Will Jake Tonges bets be refunded after injury during 49ers vs. Rams NFL Week 1? (Will Jake Tonges bets be refunded after injury during 49ers vs. Rams NFL Week 1?)
- 2026-07-19 — Tonges rewarded with 2-year, $8M extension for strong 2025 performance; eyed as Kittle backup heading into training camp (49ers face tight end bind as they enter training camp with Kittle injured)
- 2026-04-21 — Several notable WR and TE injuries could impact 2026 fantasy football outlooks (Several notable WR and TE injuries could impact 2026 fantasy football outlooks)
- 2026-04-29 — 49ers post-NFL Draft depth chart: Where do rookies fit, and what holes remain? - The... (49ers post-NFL Draft depth chart: Where do rookies fit, and what holes remain? - The...)
- 2026-03-19 — Why 49ers' Kyle Juszczyk is confident in George Kittle's Achilles injury rehab (Why 49ers' Kyle Juszczyk is confident in George Kittle's Achilles injury rehab)
- 2026-02-23 — 2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense (2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense)
- 2026-03-11 — 2026 NFL free agency team grades: Rams, Jets at top of class, Chargers leave much to... (2026 NFL free agency team grades: Rams, Jets at top of class, Chargers leave much to...)
- 2026-03-05 — 2026 Fantasy Football Free Agency Primer: Every potential signing, what to watch for,... (2026 Fantasy Football Free Agency Primer: Every potential signing, what to watch for,...)
- 2026-06-02 — 2026 Fantasy Football TE Rankings June Update: Justin Boone's top tight ends (2026 Fantasy Football TE Rankings June Update: Justin Boone's top tight ends)