Knee Surgery Ends Jake Tonges’ 2026 Season After Week 1 Injury

San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering a serious knee injury in the team’s Week 1 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Tonges sustained the injury during San Francisco’s season-opening 27–7 win over the Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on September 10. The 27-year-old tight end was attempting to block Rams defensive star Myles Garrett when his right leg appeared to twist awkwardly. He immediately struggled to put weight on the leg and was eventually helped off the field before being taken to the locker room. 

Initially, Tonges was listed as questionable to return, but the 49ers ruled him out early in the third quarter. He finished the game without recording a target. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later indicated that the injury involved Tonges’ medial collateral ligament (MCL) and acknowledged that the situation did not look good. 

The injury is particularly disappointing for Tonges after his breakthrough 2025 season. He became an important contributor for San Francisco when star tight end George Kittle went down with an Achilles injury. Tonges finished the 2025 regular season with 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, earning himself a new two-year, $8 million contract from the 49ers in March 2026. 

Tonges’ absence now creates another challenge for San Francisco’s tight-end group. George Kittle, who is returning from his own Achilles injury, is expected to take on a larger role, while Luke Farrell is likely to receive increased playing time behind him. The 49ers have also added tight end Jack Stoll to their practice squad. 

The 49ers officially placed Tonges on injured reserve on September 16, confirming that he will miss significant time. Reports surrounding the injury have identified it as a severe MCL issue, although the available reports do not establish that surgery itself has been officially confirmed for Tonges. 

For Tonges, the injury brings an abrupt end to what was expected to be another important season in San Francisco. After emerging as a reliable contributor in 2025 and signing a new contract during the offseason, he will now turn his attention to rehabilitation and recovery ahead of the 2027 season.

The 49ers, meanwhile, will have to adjust quickly. Despite opening the season with a convincing victory over the Rams, the team has already lost several players to significant injuries, making depth an important factor as the 2026 campaign continues.