Backup Jake Tonges' Miraculous Fourth-Quarter Catch Lifts 49ers to 17-13 Win Over Seahawks
Tonges hauled in a back-corner touchdown from Brock Purdy after George Kittle exited with a hamstring injury, and Nick Bosa's late strip-sack helped seal the NFC West opener.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 17, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 13 — Jake Tonges, a backup tight end with limited NFL experience, made a leaping, back-corner touchdown catch in the fourth quarter to give the San Francisco 49ers a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West season opener Sunday at Lumen Field.
With the 49ers trailing by three on third-and-3 from the Seahawks' 4-yard line, quarterback Brock Purdy, flushed to his right, lofted a pass to the back corner of the end zone. Tonges, covered closely by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, stepped in front of the defender, rose and secured the ball for the go-ahead score. It was Tonges' third catch of the game and the decisive play in a tense finish.
George Kittle, who hauled in San Francisco's first touchdown of the season from Purdy, left the game early with a hamstring injury, forcing the 49ers to rely on depth at tight end. Kittle was seen on the sideline celebrating Tonges' catch.
The victory was set up by a critical defensive play with 42 seconds remaining. Edge rusher Nick Bosa strip-sacked Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold at the 49ers' 9-yard line, knocking the ball loose as Seattle was driving. San Francisco recovered and used the remaining time to take the lead.
Purdy completed 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Christian McCaffrey, cleared to play despite a recent calf issue, ran 22 times for 69 yards and caught nine passes for 73 yards. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall led the 49ers with 108 receiving yards on four catches, including a 45-yard reception from Purdy.
For Seattle, Darnold was 16 of 23 for 150 yards. Rookie Jaxson Smith-Njigba showed strong chemistry with Darnold, catching nine passes for 124 yards on 13 targets. Running back Zach Charbonnet scored Seattle's only touchdown; Kenneth Walker III did not reach the end zone.
Tonges, who entered the league in 2022 with the Chicago Bears and had appeared in 20 games prior to Sunday, provided a key contribution in a backup role. His late-game catch came against a division rival on the road and snapped a seesaw contest between two NFC West contenders.
The game served as the opener for both teams and highlighted roster depth and health concerns early in the season. The 49ers will look to build on the road victory as they continue their schedule, while the Seahawks must regroup after surrendering a late lead in a narrowly decided divisional matchup.