The kid from Los Gatos is in the NFL.
Meet Jake Tonges, 49ers' TE replacement for George Kittle injury who grew up an hour from San Francisco originally appeared on The Sporting News
It's safe to say that very few people outside of California knew who Jake Tonges was before this NFL season.
But now, with George Kittle injured, the San Francisco 49ers' backup tight end has emerged into some prominence.
He's coming off the best game of his career a three-catch, 58-yard performance with a touchdown in Week 4.
Kittle remains out, and so do multiple receivers, so Tonges could be key on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.
And it's all a cool time for Tonges, who grew up not far from San Francisco.
MORE: The key problem with Lamar Jackson's injury is his Ravens backup QB
Who is Jake Tonges?
Jake Tonges is a 26-year old tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
He measures up at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds.
He came to the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted free agent signee with the Chicago Bears.
MORE: Can you name all 41 QBs to start for the Browns since 1999?
Where is Jake Tonges from?
Jake Tonges was originally born in Cincinnati, but he attended Los Gatos High School in California, which is about an hour from San Francisco.
He then played collegiately for the Cal Golden Bears.
After going undrafted in April 2022, Tonges signed with the Bears. He went up and down from active roster to practice squad during that rookie season.
He was waived/injured from Chicago in August 2023 and signed with the 49ers' practice squad in September.
Tonges hadn't gotten an NFL catch until sticking it out for another year and finally getting his chance on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The 49ers needed his touchdown, because it was the difference in a 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Tonges added four catches for 31 yards in Week two, two for 21 in Week 3 and then the aforementioned three for 58 and a TD in Week 4.
San Francisco 49ers tight end depth chart
With George Kittle out, the 49ers currently have three tight ends on their active roster:
- Jake Tonges
- Luke Farrell
- Brayden Willis
Farrell is a more natural blocker and sees the field plenty, too. But when there's a pass to be thrown to a tight end, it's usually Tonges.
More NFL News:
- Bo Nix keeps proving the haters wrong
- Titans consider signing Hall of Famer's son
- Ashton Jeanty has Michael Myers to thank for his sudden breakthrough
- This stat says the Jaguars are the best team in the NFL
- Spencer Rattler made another case as the Saints' starting QB, this time on his birthday
- Colts legend retires at age 30
Category: Football
