Jake Tonges Injury Complicates 49ers’ George Kittle Plan

The San Francisco 49ers were able to open the 2026 NFL season with a victory in Melbourne, Australia, over the Los Angeles Rams. However, they ended up suffering a loss in the game as tight end Jake Tonges went down with an injury.

It was later diagnosed as an MCL injury.

Jake Tonges’ Injury Creates Depth Concerns

Tonges injured his right knee during the second quarter after an awkward collision with Myles Garrett took place. He needed assistance leaving the field and was carted off.

This injury now leaves San Francisco in a difficult spot as George Kittle is still working his way back from the torn Achilles he suffered during last season’s playoffs. Kittle only just returned to practice on August 23, and the original plan was to have the 49ers monitor Kittle’s workload.

That is where Tonges was important, as he allowed Kittle to have time to recover, as Tonges was coming off a 2025 season in which he had 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns. 

Now without Tonges, the 49ers will have to adjust their tight end plans all around, as Tonges was also pivotal for Kyle Shanahan’s multiple-tight-end formations.