Backup Tight End Jake Tonges' Fourth-Quarter Catch Lifts 49ers to 17-13 Win Over Seahawks
Tonges, thrust into a late role after George Kittle left with a hamstring injury, hauled in the game-winning touchdown at Lumen Field in San Francisco's season opener.
Jake Tonges, a seldom-used backup tight end, made a fourth-quarter, back-corner touchdown catch that gave the San Francisco 49ers a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West season opener on Sept. 7 at Lumen Field.
On third-and-3 from the Seattle 4-yard line, quarterback Brock Purdy rolled right under pressure and lofted a pass to the back corner of the end zone with Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen in tight coverage. Tonges stepped in front of Woolen, leaped and secured the catch for the go-ahead score, his third reception of the night. The touchdown proved decisive after the 49ers' defense recovered a strip-sack on Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold later in the closing minute.
George Kittle had caught San Francisco's first touchdown but left the game early with a hamstring injury, forcing Tonges into a more prominent role. Tonges, who entered the NFL in 2022 with the Chicago Bears and had appeared in 20 career games, came through at a critical moment for the 49ers.
San Francisco’s win was sealed after edge rusher Nick Bosa strip-sacked Darnold with 42 seconds remaining while Seattle was driving at the 49ers’ 9-yard line, preventing a potential game-winning drive and preserving the 49ers’ late lead.
Purdy finished 26 of 35 for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Christian McCaffrey, whose availability was uncertain during the preseason because of calf and previous Achilles issues, was active and contributed 69 rushing yards on 22 carries and nine catches for 73 yards.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall paced San Francisco’s passing attack with 108 yards on four catches, including a 45-yard reception from Purdy. The 49ers defense tightened in the fourth quarter to limit Seattle after a back-and-forth second half.
For Seattle, Darnold completed 16 of 23 passes for 150 yards. Rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed a strong connection 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 score.
The victory gives San Francisco a 1-0 start to the regular season and hands Seattle its first loss. The two teams meet annually as division rivals, and the opener underscored how depth players can impact outcomes when starters exit with injuries. The 49ers travel home off the road win, while the Seahawks will look to regroup as they prepare for Week 2 play.