George Kittle returned to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 after tearing his Achilles in the postseason following the 2025 regular season. His return gave Brock Purdy another established option in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as San Francisco opened the season against the Los Angeles Rams.
Kittle had a limited workload in the 49ers’ 27-7 victory, catching two passes for 12 yards on five targets. The veteran tight end also contributed as a blocker while continuing to work his way back into the offense.
San Francisco now faces a different challenge heading into Week 2. Injuries have affected several players around Kittle, potentially changing how the 49ers use their remaining offensive weapons against the Miami Dolphins.
MORE: 49ers injury update is bad news for George Kittle
Jake Tonges’ injury could increase George Kittle’s workload
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers will be without tight end Jake Tonges for the rest of the 2026 season after he suffered an MCL injury in the season-opening win over the Los Angeles Rams. Tonges left the game with the knee injury and did not return.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tonges underwent surgery for a torn MCL and will miss the remainder of the season. The 49ers later placed him on injured reserve and signed tight end Jack Stoll to the practice squad.
49ers TE Jake Tonges will be out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn MCL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2026
Tonges’ absence leaves George Kittle as the clear veteran option at tight end. Tonges took on a larger role in 2025 while George Kittle was sidelined by a right hamstring injury, catching 34 passes for 293 yards and five touchdowns.
Kittle returned in Week 1 but had a limited workload. With Tonges now out, the 49ers could lean more on Kittle while using Luke Farrell and other tight ends to fill the depth gap.
Ricky Pearsall’s injury adds pressure to George Kittle
The situation extends beyond the tight end room. Ricky Pearsall is also out for the season after suffering a knee injury, removing another important receiving option from Purdy’s offense. The 49ers must now lean more heavily on veterans such as Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson.
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has also been placed on injured reserve with a left ankle injury. The 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will miss at least four games, further reducing San Francisco’s depth at wide receiver.
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