Jake Tonges Fantasy Impact: 49ers Tight End Delivers in George Kittle’s Absence
In the high stakes environment of Sunday Night Football, the brightest stars usually command the spotlight. However, in the San Francisco 49ers’ thrilling 42 38 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 17, an unlikely hero emerged. With All Pro tight end George Kittle sidelined due to an ankle injury, fourth year pro Jake Tonges seized a prime opportunity, proving that the 49ers' "next man up" philosophy is alive and well.
Tonges, a local product who grew up in nearby Los Gatos and played at Cal, finished the night as a primary engine for the San Francisco offense. He was targeted a team high nine times by quarterback Brock Purdy, hauling in seven receptions for 60 yards and a crucial early touchdown. For a player who began the 2025 season with zero career catches, his performance under the lights was the culmination of years of persistence on practice squads.
Anchoring the Offense Early
The game started in disastrous fashion for the 49ers, as Purdy threw a pick six on the very first play from scrimmage. Needing a steadying presence on the ensuing drive, Purdy turned to Tonges. On a pivotal 3rd and 7, Tonges found a soft spot in the Bears' zone for an 18 yard gain to keep the chains moving.
Moments later, Tonges capped the 65 yard response drive by catching a one yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. It was his fifth touchdown of the 2025 season, a remarkable stat for a backup tight end who has spent much of the year providing depth behind Kittle. His ability to act as a reliable "security blanket" allowed the 49ers to settle into a rhythm after their early stumble.
Why Jake Tonges is More Than a Fill In
While Luke Farrell provides the 49ers with elite run blocking, Jake Tonges has established himself as the team’s preferred pass catching option at the position when Kittle is unavailable. Throughout the game, Tonges showcased a refined route running ability, consistently finding space against a Chicago defense that had struggled to contain tight ends all season.
"Jake has been ready for this all year," head coach Kyle Shanahan noted in his post game press conference. "He’s a smart, tough player who knows exactly where to be in this system. When George is out, we don't change the playbook, and that’s a testament to how Jake has prepared."
His 6 foot 4, 240 pound frame makes him a difficult matchup in the red zone, and his chemistry with Purdy has grown significantly since his first career touchdown back in the season opener against Seattle.
Fantasy Football Impact and Week 18 Outlook
For fantasy managers playing in championship matchups, Tonges served as a "league winner" for those bold enough to start him. Entering the game as a popular streaming option, his 19.0 fantasy points (PPR) exceeded all projections. With the 49ers often utilizing heavy personnel, Tonges has proven that he can produce high volume stats whenever he sees more than 50% of the offensive snaps.
Looking ahead, the 49ers face a massive Week 18 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The health of George Kittle will be the top storyline in Santa Clara this week. However, the performance of Tonges against the Bears gives the coaching staff peace of mind. Even if Kittle returns, Tonges has likely earned a permanent role in the 49ers’ specialized "12 personnel" (two tight end) packages.
From the Bears to the Bay
There was a poetic element to Tonges’ big night, as it came against the very team that first signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022. After being waived by Chicago and bouncing around the league, Tonges found a home in the Bay Area. His "revenge game" narrative may not have been the headline, but his clinical execution against his former club helped push the 49ers one step closer to home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
As the 49ers prepare for the postseason, the emergence of reliable depth players like Jake Tonges could be the difference between an early exit and a Super Bowl run at Levi's Stadium. For one night in December, the "local kid" was exactly what the 49ers needed to keep their championship dreams alive.