Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers training camp: 10 returning veterans on the hot seat

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 20: Quinton Dial #92 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 20: Quinton Dial #92 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 16: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers puts his hands on his hips after a play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 16: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers puts his hands on his hips after a play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

No. 10: Tight End Vance McDonald

Tight end Vance McDonald was the focus of trade rumors just before the 2017 NFL Draft.

No deal materialized, although McDonald’s future in San Francisco is anything but certain. Questionable hands and a number of injuries over his pro career has forced the former Rice product into the expendable list.

It doesn’t help the Niners brought in tight ends Logan Paulsen, George Kittle and Cole Hikutini either. These three could easily make up the new crop the 49ers front office wants to see at this position moving forward.

McDonald managed to have a strong day of training camp on August 3, per 49ers.com’s Joe Fann, especially on a play where he ran over rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in a goal-line situation:

But to keep himself safe beyond cuts or a possible trade, McDonald will have to have more than a handful of strong camp performances.

He’s not the only tight end on this list either.