As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, two lesser-known tight ends are suddenly in the mix. Jake Tonges, the 49ers' backup, steps up amid George Kittle's ongoing hamstring woes. Indeed, Tonges just delivered his best pro performance yet—a three-catch, 58-yard outing with a touchdown in Week 4 against the Cardinals. At 26 years old, standing 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, he's no stranger to hard knocks; undrafted out of Cal in 2022, he bounced from the Bears' practice squad before landing with San Francisco. His local roots in Los Gatos, just an hour from Levi's Stadium, add a touch of irony to this breakout moment.
Over on the Rams' side, Davis Allen brings a different flavor. The 24-year-old Clemson product, selected in the fifth round back in 2023, has quietly built a role with 19 receptions for 158 yards and three scores over 33 games. He's appeared in three playoff contests too, snagging 41 yards and another touchdown. However, with the Rams' offense leaning on stars like Cooper Kupp, Allen's opportunities often feel squeezed. Still, in a divisional rivalry like this, every mismatch counts—and tight ends could exploit those seams.
The matchup pits Tonges' emerging reliability against Allen's steady but understated presence. Fantasy analysts are buzzing, debating who offers more sleeper value; Tonges' recent surge suggests untapped potential, while Allen's blocking prowess might shine in short-yardage sets. Yet, injuries have plagued both teams—Kittle's absence opens doors for Tonges, but the Rams' line has its own vulnerabilities. Moreover, Tonges' shoulder tweak from last week adds a sliver of doubt, though he's expected back.
Indeed, these backups embody the NFL's unpredictability, where a single play can redefine a season. As the lights dim on prime time, one wonders if either will seize the narrative in this heated NFC West battle.