Jake Tonges' Miraculous Catch Lifts 49ers to 17-13 Season-Opening Win Over Seahawks
With George Kittle sidelined by a hamstring injury, backup tight end Jake Tonges hauled in Brock Purdy's fourth-quarter touchdown as Nick Bosa's strip-sack sealed the victory at Lumen Field.
SEATTLE — Backup tight end Jake Tonges made a fourth-quarter, back-corner touchdown catch that proved decisive as the San Francisco 49ers opened the 2025 season with a 17-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field.
Trailing by three and facing third-and-3 from the Seattle 4-yard line late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy rolled right under pressure and lofted a pass to the back corner of the end zone. Cornerback Riq Woolen was draped on Tonges, but Tonges leapt in front of the defender and came down with the grab for the go-ahead score. It was Tonges' third catch of the game and his first touchdown as a member of the 49ers.
George Kittle had caught San Francisco's first touchdown of the season from Purdy, but he exited early with a hamstring injury. Kittle was later seen on the sideline celebrating Tonges' pivotal reception.
The 49ers' victory was secured defensively when edge rusher Nick Bosa strip-sacked Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold while Seattle was driving at the San Francisco 9-yard line with 42 seconds remaining. The forced fumble ended Seattle's final threat and preserved the 49ers' lead.
Purdy completed 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Christian McCaffrey, whose availability had been in question entering the season, carried 22 times for 69 yards and caught nine passes for 73 yards, providing a balanced attack that helped sustain drives. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall led San Francisco in receiving with 108 yards on four catches, including a 45-yard reception from Purdy.
Tonges, a 2022 draftee who has appeared in 20 NFL games since entering the league with the Chicago Bears, stepped into a larger role when Kittle exited. The 49ers had relied heavily on their starting tight end last season, but Tonges' late-game play provided an immediate answer to depth concerns.
For Seattle, Darnold completed 16 of 23 passes for 150 yards. Rookie wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba drew significant targets, finishing with nine catches for 124 yards on 13 targets, a sign of developing chemistry with Darnold. Running back Zach Charbonnet scored the Seahawks' only touchdown; Kenneth Walker III did not reach the end zone.
San Francisco's opening-day win underlined the team's depth at tight end and the continued impact of Nick Bosa as a game-changing pass rusher. The Seahawks, meanwhile, showed offensive sparks through Smith-Njigba but were unable to convert late in the game despite reaching the red zone in the closing minute.
The 49ers will return home to prepare for their next opponent, while the Seahawks begin the season 0-1 as they look to tighten pass protection and finish drives more effectively. The victory provided an early test of San Francisco's resilience after key players left the field injured and highlighted Tonges' readiness to contribute when called upon.