Niners Nation
Given how ugly Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars was, it was hard to point to many positives. Fred Warner is his high-level, All-Pro self. Christian McCaffrey continues to shoulder so much of the offensive workload and continues to churn out 100-plus scrimmage yard games. But who were two players who bounced back or flew under the radar on Sunday?
Offense: Jake Tonges
Despite leaving Sunday’s game briefly with an injury, Tonges logged a career-high day in receiving yards (58 yards) and yards per catch (19.3). Twenty-nine of those yards were after the catch with a career-long 23-yard reception. Tonges had the same snap count from Week 3 against Arizona (45) and added an 80.9 run blocking grade.
Filling in for George Kittle is never easy, but Tonges has made the most of his opportunities in 2025. While doing most of his damage in the 0-10 yard over the middle window (4/4, 41 yards, and 109.4 NFL QB rating) on the season, Tonges has been a nice surprise for a 49ers offense desperate to find consistent contributors as they wait for offensive reinforcements.
Twelve catches on 15 targets for 125 yards and 10.4 yards per catch with two touchdowns is plenty fine for the former Cal Golden Bear.
Defense: Darrell Luter Jr.
While technically not a “bounce back” performance, one had to wonder how Luter would fare replacing second-year cornerback Renardo Green. Luter Jr responded with the highest graded run defense grade on Sunday at 85.6. Yes, Luter Jr was dinged for a penalty, but in coverage, the former South Alabama Jaguar allowed one catch on two targets for 11 yards.
Known primarily as a special teamer, the Jaguars didn’t test Luter Jr very much on Sunday. Not to say he was lockdown and lights out, but his name wasn’t called on Sunday, given the game plan of off coverage in zone against Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Hunter. Still, it is encouraging to see Green’s replacement execute in Robert Saleh’s defensive game plan.
Depth at any position is a concern, but Luter Jr’s performance on Sunday was a nice surprise and should instill confidence in the coaching staff if Green’s absence is longer than just Sunday’s game.
