The San Francisco 49ers dominated their rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, walking away with a commanding 27-7 win in the NFL's first-ever Melbourne, Australia game. Brock Purdy was efficient, Christian McCaffrey was explosive, and the Rams' star receivers were held in check. But the 49ers were dealt some unfortunate news after the lopsided win, with two of their best offensive players receiving hefty fines.
Star fullback Kyle Juszczyk was hit with a massive $20,033 fine for unnecessary roughness/illegal use of helmet, and tight end Jake Tonges got a $9,266 fine for unnecessary roughness/leg whip. Early in the third quarter, Juszczyk used the crown of his helmet while lead-blocking for McCaffrey on a 14-yard run, opening a hole against Rams star edge rusher Myles Garrett. No flag was thrown on the play, but a fine was dished out nonetheless after a league review.
Tonges, meanwhile, got his fine on the same play in which he tore his MCL, an injury that ended his season. While trying to seal off Garrett on a 12-yard Deebo Samuel run, Tonges' leg got tangled in a way that the NFL classified as an illegal leg whip. No penalty was called at the time, but the league fined him for it afterward, meaning he's now out for the year and paying a nearly $10,000 fine for the same play.
More news: Kenneth Walker Draws Bijan Robinson Comparison From New Chiefs Teammate More news: Browns Reunite Shedeur Sanders With Former Colorado Teammate Tonges is coming off a breakout 2025 season with the 49ers, hauling in 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. He was expected to play a big role in the offense this season, especially with George Kittle still working his way back from a torn Achilles. But now he'll have to look to 2027 after the injury.
As for Juszczyk, he remains one of the league's premier fullbacks, a 10-time Pro Bowler and key piece of the San Francisco offense. The 49ers will have another chance to build off their impressive season opener as they take on the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 2. More news: Cam Skattebo Fires Warning Shot at Aaron Donald Ahead of Giants-Rams
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