
Each and every season, the San Francisco 49ers deal with among the most injuries across the entire NFL. That trend starter prior to the 2026 season with injuries to Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, Darrick Forrest, Nate Hobbs and others.
As if all those injuries piling up weren't enough, San Francisco suffered not one, but two more injuries on the offensive side of the ball in its Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tight end Jake Tonges burst onto the scene in 2025. Tonges wasn't expected to produce much with the return of George Kittle, but he was looking to have a second consecutive solid season.
That came to an abrupt end in Week 1 when Tonges exited the game with what was revealed to be a knee injury. Tonges was helped to the sideline by trainers before eventually being carted to the locker room and being ruled out for the game.
Tonges joined rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling as a second San Francisco offensive weapon to be forced to exit the opening game of the season with an injury.
Now ruled out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2026
In addition, #49ers TE Jake Tonges (knee) is questionable to return. https://t.co/IKDG7gLHNJ
At a certain point, it would seem that the constant injuries to key players will outweigh the excellent coaching skills and staff that the 49ers put together each and every season.
That hasn't happened yet, though, and it may not be coming this season either. A resurgent Christian McCaffrey and Mike Evans on Thursday showed exactly what San Francisco may once again be able to power through early-season injuries.
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