San Francisco's starting tight end, All-Pro George Kittle, is recovering from an Achilles injury. While he hopes to return closer to the start of the season, nothing is certain. Tonges provides some security if Kittle's recovery takes longer than expected.
Tonges entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of the University of California, Berkeley, in 2022, selected by the Chicago Bears. He spent his rookie season in Chicago, where he appeared in four games before moving to the 49ers' practice squad in September 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers in February 2024 and re-signed with the team on April 17, 2025.
During the 2025 season, Tonges appeared in 17 games with two starts, recording career highs of 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per catch. He had not scored a touchdown before the 2025 season, with his first coming as a game-winner against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025.
Over his NFL career, Tonges has appeared in 37 games. His offensive production in 2025 accounts for all of his receiving statistics. He has also recorded seven career tackles on special teams.