Jake Tonges: MCL injury, Shanahan says it 'wasn't good'

THE FACT. Jake Tonges left the 49ers' Thursday night win over the Rams in Melbourne in the second quarter and needed help getting off the field. Kyle Shanahan told reporters afterward that the knee injury is believed to be an MCL issue rather than an ACL tear, but that there are additional concerns the team will not sort out until full testing once it returns from Australia, per Pro Football Talk and 49ers Webzone late Thursday night.

THE VERDICT. Shanahan's tone points to an extended absence, so treat Tonges as out for weeks until told otherwise. Redraft: drop him in any league where he was rostered as a bench tight end. Dynasty: hold only in deep TE-premium formats, since a 2025 five-touchdown season was already the ceiling of his role. DFS: fade the 49ers' secondary tight end spot in Week 2 until the depth chart is announced.