What happened: Adam Schefter reported the San Francisco tight end underwent surgery for a torn MCL and will miss the rest of the 2026 season. Tonges had been listed as questionable to return on Sept. 11 before San Francisco later placed him on injured reserve.
Why it matters: It removes a tight end San Francisco had positioned for a larger role entering the 2026 season. A Week 2 injury scare has now become a season-long depth issue for the rest of the regular season.
By the numbers: 5 days: the gap between Tonges being listed questionable to return on Sept. 11 and the season-ending surgery update on Sept. 16.
What to watch: San Francisco's next move at tight end is the immediate roster question after Tonges' season-ending surgery. Any follow-up on how the 49ers redistribute those snaps will shape the depth chart going forward.