The San Francisco 49ers have watched their depth take multiple hits during Thursday night’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was already ruled out with an ankle injury after being helped off the field earlier in the second quarter.
The 49ers then lost another important piece when tight end Jake Tonges suffered an apparent leg injury. Tonges needed help getting off the field and was taken to the medical tent. He had not been targeted before leaving the game.
MORE:49ers lose starting WR to injury during Rams game
Jake Tonges injury adds to 49ers’ growing concerns
Kittle returned Thursday after missing the end of last season with an Achilles injury, but San Francisco had spent the offseason developing Tonges into a dependable option regardless of Kittle’s availability. Tonges signed a two-year, $8 million contract in March after emerging as a reliable contributor in 2025.
He finished last season with 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, giving Brock Purdy another option in the passing game when Kittle was unavailable.
Tonges also had already overcome a plantar fascia injury suffered during the 49ers’ playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks in January. Thursday’s injury therefore comes after another lengthy recovery for the 27-year-old tight end.
49ers tight end depth takes another hit
Kittle now becomes even more important to San Francisco’s offense if Tonges is forced to miss time.The 49ers entered the game with Kittle, Tonges and their remaining tight end depth available, but losing Tonges leaves the team with considerably less experience behind its All-Pro starter.
The injury also comes shortly after Stribling was ruled out. The rookie had been playing a significant role before suffering his ankle injury and was replaced in the receiving rotation by Demarcus Robinson, who immediately caught a 39-yard touchdown pass to give San Francisco the lead.
San Francisco will now wait for more information on Tonges before determining whether this is a short-term issue or something that could affect his availability beyond Week 1.
