Rams starting LB exits vs. 49ers with hip injury

In a game against the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers secured a 27-7 victory at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday night, but the win came with a significant injury setback. Tight end Jake Tonges suffered a knee injury during the second quarter and was immediately taken to the locker room on a stretcher. Although Tonges was listed as questionable for the remainder of the match, he did not play another snap of the game.

Following the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his concern over Tonges' injury status. "It wasn't good," Shanahan stated, clarifying that the injury was not an ACL tear but an MCL issue. However, he added that there were some additional factors that needed to be assessed before drawing a clear conclusion. The extent of Tonges' injury and recovery timeline remained uncertain at the time.

Despite George Kittle's gradual return from a torn Achilles tendon, the 49ers may need to increase their reliance on him moving forward. The team also has players such as Luke Farrell, Brayden Willis, and Khalil Dinkins available to fill the tight end position if necessary.