The San Francisco 49ers came into Saturday night’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle with a long list of injured players, including tight end George Kittle, who is out for the season.
Tight end Jake Tonges was playing in Kittle’s place, but he ended up getting injured in the third quarter.
49ers TE Jake Tonges Injured In Third Quarter
According to a video posted on X by Barstool Sports, it appeared as though Tonges came up, grabbing his right knee while making a cut downfield.
After Tonges got up, he was helped off the field by 49ers medical personnel and went into the blue tent on the 49ers’ sidelines.
The Power Plant just got Jake Tonges
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 18, 2026
But ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter had an update not only on Tonges, but 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been on the 49ers’ sidelines, too.
“And now 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is questionable to return due to a stinger, and TE Jake Tonges is questionable to return due to a foot injury,” Schefter posted on X. McCaffrey did return to the field in the third quarter, though.
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When Tonges left the game, the 49ers were trailing 24-6. The Seahawks put up another field goal to make it 27-6 in the third quarter, and intercepted a pass from 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy as the 49ers were driving downfield. Since then, Seattle added another touchdown and was in control 34-6 near the end of the third quarter.
Fox Sports’ cameras caught Tonges running along the 49ers’ sidelines, trying to see if he could get back into the game. If Tonges cannot return, though, the team’s depth chart at tight end lists Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis as the second and third-string options.
Tonges is in his third NFL season and had 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdown catches in the regular season. Before leaving the game, Tonges was the top receiver in the 49ers’ offense, along with McCaffrey, with five catches apiece. Tonges has 59 yards receiving compared to 39 for McCaffrey.
Purdy has been under pressure all game long from a fierce Seahawks’ defense. At this point, it will take a miracle for San Francisco to come back and win on Saturday night and Tonges might not return to play, either.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
