George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers were hoping to start their season on a high note against the Los Angeles Rams before another injury set them back.
Tight end Jake Tonges was forced out of the game after suffering a knee injury late in the second quarter at Melbourne Cricket Ground and was helped off the field before being taken to the locker room. He did not return as the 49ers went on to beat the Rams 27-7 in the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia.
The 27-year-old tight end has become an important part of San Francisco’s depth at the position after emerging last season. Tonges caught 34 passes for 293 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 before signing a two-year contract extension with the 49ers this offseason.
MORE: 49ers lose starting WR to injury during Rams game
Jake Tonges injury update reveals MCL issue
Kyle Shanahan said Tonges suffered an MCL injury and described the situation as “not good.” The 49ers coach added that there were still more issues to evaluate before the team could determine the full extent of the injury.
That means there is currently no confirmed return timeline for Tonges. Further testing should give San Francisco a clearer picture of the injury and how much time he could miss.
George Kittle to handle more workload for the 49ers
Tonges’ injury could create another challenge for a 49ers team already managing Kittle’s workload following his return from an Achilles injury.
Luke Farrell and Kyle Juszczyk helped fill the tight end role after Tonges left the game, while San Francisco also has Brayden Willis and Khalil Dinkins available.
The 49ers will now wait for additional medical information before determining their next move. San Francisco’s next game is against the Miami Dolphins, giving the team time to assess Tonges before making a decision on his availability.
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