TE · SF · 27 yrs · exp 4 · California
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
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Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 2,477
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
Sleeper trending/drop: Jake Tonges (8698) count=1275 (Δ1275 vs prior poll)
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
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
The article discusses Jake Tonges as the most underappreciated player on the 49ers, highlighting his unexpected touchdown production in 2025, particularly when filling in for George Kittle. Despite signing a new contract, his salary remains relatively low for a tight end, making him a cost-effective option. The piece also touches on his connection with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Ryan Flournoy
The San Francisco 49ers roster has been among the deepest in the NFL for years. While the names at the top headline the roster, such as Christian McCaffrey , Trent Williams , and others, the roster continues to have hidden gems and players waiting to break out. Whether it is an UDFA or a late-round pick, the 49ers have found production from players from top to bottom during the John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan era. Which 49ers player is considered their best-kept secret? Bleacher Report named a player from each roster as a hidden gem, and Brent Sobleski chose tight end Jake Tonges for the 49ers. “Obviously, George Kittle is an elite tight end. At the same time, the seven-time Pro Bowler hasn’t played a full slate of games since the 2018 campaign. He’s currently recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in January. Jake Tonges is an important cog in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, hence his new two-year, $8 million contract. Tonges played in every game last season and finally got his chance to contribute as a pass-catcher. The 2022 undrafted free agent caught 34 passes for 293 yards and five touchdowns. In the subsequent postseason contest after Kittle’s injury, Tonges caught five of six targets for 59 yards. He’s a capable threat that Brock Purdy has grown to trust, which should allow the Niners offense to keep operating at a high level even if one of its top weapons isn’t ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.“ With Kittle recovering from his Achilles injury, although he seems to be on track and in a good spot, Tonges will be counted on to fill in for the former All-Pro. Remembering Week 1 in Seattle last season, Tonges didn’t shy away from the pressure, hauling in the game-winning touchdown from Brock Purdy to lift San Francisco to a win. After catching his first passes in the NFL in 2025, Tonges earned himself a contract and a role on the team. Not having to rush Kittle back is a luxury that Tonges affords the team. It’s an impressive story from the former Cal Bear
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Evan Engram
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Calvin Austin
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Daiyan Henley
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Ronnie Rivers
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Jaleel McLaughlin
Adds: Jake Tonges. Drops: Dak Prescott
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