Jake Tonges, a backup tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, took advantage of opportunities in 2025 due to injuries, recording multiple six-plus catch games and a career-best performance against the Chicago Bears. Despite being a backup to George Kittle, Tonges' affordable contract and potential for increased playing time make him an interesting asset for the 49ers' offense, particularly in schemes utilizing two tight ends
Farrell scored the first two touchdowns of his five-year NFL career in 2025 but has just 403 receiving yards in 83 regular-season games. The 6-5, 250-pound Farrell's blocking skills should earn him some playing time, especially if the absence of top 49ers TE George Kittle (Achilles) stretches into the season, but Jake Tonges got most of the receiving opportunities when Kittle missed time last year, and Tonges should continue to operate ahead of Farrell in that regard
49ers' George Kittle pushing for ‘realistic' Week 1 return from Achilles injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area SANTA CLARA — George Kittle is happy. This is nothing new for the 49ers ’ All-Pro tight end, who starts every press conference with a jovial, “Howdy.” However, the news that Kittle could be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2026 season might have explained his heightened positive state Wednesday. “Realistic, yes,” Kittle said on his being ready for the start of the season. “Even when I had the surgery, [Dr. Neil] ElAttrache told me, ‘I think if you do everything the right way, you have a chance.’ Definitely ignites something and makes you push for it. We are on track. We are ahead of schedule.” As Kittle navigated through recovery from Achilles surgery that occurred at the end of the season, his spirits were always positive. At several public appearances throughout the offseason, including supporting his wife Claire, who was recently a model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Kittle’s attitude and positive spirit have never wavered. “Me personally, I’m doing awesome,” Kittle said. “My wife is a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, good for me, and my Achilles is doing great. No setbacks in my recovery, checking all the boxes, doing everything I’m supposed to do. “My surgeon is super happy, my physical therapist in L.A. who works with him is super happy, Niners are happy, I’m happy.” With the cancellation of the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp, Kittle is set to head back to his home in Nashville, where he spends the offseason training at his own facility. The nine-year NFL veteran likely will continue his checkups with his doctor and physical therapist in Los Angeles while preparing for the season. If Kittle is not quite ready for the start of the season, the 49ers will lean on Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges , who saw additional playing time when Kittle missed games with a calf injury during Weeks 2 through 6 of the 2025 season. Brayden Willis , entering his fourth season with San Francisco , could be an option. Undrafted free agent Khalil Dinkins has quickly shown his abilities on the field, along with Hayden Rucci , who has appeared in four NFL games as a member of the Detroit Lions . Both young players will be competing for a role on the offense. But for now, the hope is that Kittle will be ready to kick off the season on Thursday, Sept. 10, when the Los Angeles Rams will “host” the 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. “Playing four days early and a 16-hour flight?” Kittle said with a smile when asked if the extended travel would be an issue. “No, not at all. Just another challenge, that’s all it is. We fly so much, our average flight is five to six hours. So to me, it is what it is. We are going to work, it’s an awesome opportunity to play in Australia. It will be a really fun plane ride home if we win. “That’s our goal — play in front of an awesome crowd, huge stadium, 110,000 people. Sounds sick to me, might as well take advantage of it.” As usual, Kittle’s view always is positive. Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
