The San Francisco 49ers are going to need more out of tight end Jake Tonges in the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.
That's because starting tight end George Kittle has been ruled out with his ankle injury, which doesn't come as much of a surprise.
Kittle didn't practice at all during the week before drawing the questionable tag. The Niners showed a clear indication that Kittle wouldn't play after elevating a tight end from the practice squad ahead of Sunday.
Now, Tonges will take on the role of the 49ers' No. 1 tight end in an important game with the Bears on Sunday night. Here's our start or sit advice for him.
Jake Tonges start or sit advice
When Kittle sat out for fives games due to injury earlier in the season, Tonges scored a pair of touchdowns and averaged 41.8 yards per contest in that span. That showing was good enough for a ranking of TE11 overall.
The Bears present a fairly favorable matchup for tight ends, as Chicago is ceding the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position.
When putting it all together, Tonges is a decent TE2 play with Kittle sidelined.
Verdict: Start
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