Jake Tonges Fined by NFL Following Season-Ending Knee Injury
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges is facing a difficult double setback following the team's Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams. In addition to suffering a serious, season-ending knee injury during the contest, Tonges has been handed a financial penalty by the NFL for an action earlier in the matchup.
The league has fined Tonges $9,266 for unnecessary roughness, according to an NBC Sports report. The penalty stems from an unpenalized leg-whip block on Rams defensive end Myles Garrett during the second quarter of the game. Although game officials did not throw a flag on the play—which helped set up a 12-yard run by Deebo Samuel—the NFL reviewed the footage after the game and subsequently issued the fine.
Season-Ending Injury and Roster Adjustments
The financial penalty comes as Tonges begins his recovery from a severe right knee injury sustained later in the same game. Tonges remained down on the field after the play and required assistance to leave the playing area, as he was unable to walk off under his own power.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan later confirmed that the tight end suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear along with other associated issues. On Wednesday, the 49ers officially placed Tonges on the season-ending injured reserve list.
To fill the vacancy at the No. 3 tight end position, the 49ers promoted Brayden Willis from their practice squad. The injury marks a significant setback for Tonges, who had recently signed a two-year, $8 million contract with San Francisco during the offseason after entering the market as a restricted free agent.
Additional Discipline From Week 1 Matchup
Tonges was not the only player penalized by the league office following San Francisco's 27-7 victory over the Rams. Fellow 49ers player Kyle Juszczyk received a $20,033 fine for unnecessary roughness and illegal use of the helmet. The 35-year-old fullback was cited for using the crown of his helmet while blocking Myles Garrett during the third quarter.
Juszczyk's penalty was among the largest handed out by the NFL for infractions during Week 1. The only player to receive a larger fine during the opening week was Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was penalized $23,027.
The discipline extended to the opposing sideline as well, with two Los Angeles Rams players receiving fines from the league. Defensive tackle Tyler Davis was fined $6,225 for roughing the passer after delivering a hit to the head and neck area of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Additionally, Rams linebacker Nate Landman was fined $11,111 for unnecessary roughness involving the use of his helmet.
