After the San Francisco 49ers implemented their offensive strategy last week, it wouldn’t have shocked anyone in their locker room if a tight end made the game-winning catch against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Given the George Kittle-focused game plan, most would have expected Kittle to be the one.
However, when Kittle left the game early in the second quarter with a hamstring injury requiring an MRI soon, third-string tight end Jake Tonges stepped up.
Tonges, who had never caught a pass in an NFL regular-season game and had only been targeted once since joining the league as an undrafted free agent from California in 2022, made the crucial play. With the Niners trailing by a field goal and 1:44 left, quarterback Brock Purdy, scrambling near Seattle’s 4-yard line, spotted Tonges open in the back right corner of the end zone for the decisive score.
In a critical moment, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw a pass toward tight end Jake Tonges, despite Seattle’s Riq Woolen appearing ready to intercept it. Tonges aggressively went for the ball, snatching it in front of Woolen, securing it, and ensuring he was in bounds.
The moment felt surreal to Tonges, who described it as unfolding in slow motion. On the road in Seattle, the stadium was quiet as he confirmed the catch, with teammate Russell Gage excitedly pointing out that he had scored. After realizing he had just made his first game-winning touchdown, Tonges, a local from Los Gatos, California, just 20 minutes from Levi’s Stadium, spiked the ball in celebration.
The touchdown might not have happened if not for an injury to star tight end George Kittle, who had been a focal point of the 49ers’ passing game early in the match.
Kittle, who had a history of strong performances in Seattle, started the game with four catches for 25 yards, including a touchdown.
However, he was injured after a deep route and left the game after a brief evaluation, forcing the 49ers to rely on Tonges and Luke Farrell. Coach Kyle Shanahan noted Kittle’s absence was significant, as he was central to the game plan, but praised Tonges and Farrell for stepping up, especially Tonges for his clutch, game-winning play.
By the end of the game, Jake Tonges may have been the most familiar pass-catcher available to quarterback Brock Purdy, given their time together over the past two-plus years.
Veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings, recently back from a calf injury and contract dispute, exited the game early in the fourth quarter after injuring his left shoulder during a play that drew an illegal contact penalty on Seattle’s Julian Love. Jennings, like George Kittle, did not return and is set for further imaging on Monday.
With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Demarcus Robinson (suspension) already sidelined, the 49ers’ receiver depth is thin, and coach Kyle Shanahan hinted at a potential reunion with free agent Kendrick Bourne, noting that the team is still trying to sign him.
Tonges, who joined the 49ers in 2023 after a year with the Chicago Bears, had primarily played special teams, appearing in 16 games in 2024 with just 34 offensive snaps and seven routes run all season. On Sunday, however, he stepped up, playing 31 offensive snaps, running 15 routes, and catching all three targets for 15 yards, including a touchdown.
Purdy’s touchdown pass to Tonges had a mere 14.7% completion probability, the lowest of any pass in Week 1 before “Sunday Night Football” and the least likely completion of Purdy’s career, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Purdy praised Tonges’ readiness, calling him a consistent, smart teammate who seized his opportunity when Kittle went down.
For a moment, it seemed Tonges’ go-ahead touchdown might be overshadowed, as Seattle drove into 49ers territory late. But with 42 seconds left, Nick Bosa forced a fumble by pressuring Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, recovering the ball to secure the 49ers’ 1-0 season-opening win, sparking a jubilant celebration.
Tonges kept the touchdown ball, retrieved by a 49ers equipment staff member, though he was unsure where to display it, mentioning the need for a trophy case or shelf.
