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

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers is carted off the field due to a leg injury during their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 9: Tight End Garrett Celek

It would be one thing if Garrett Celek was the only true blocking tight end on San Francisco’s roster.

But the addition of the veteran, Logan Paulsen, via free agency this offseason puts Celek on this list.

Both Celek and Paulsen essentially fill the same role — a No. 2 TE blocker with the ability to be a pass catcher in certain situations. Yet the advantage goes to Paulsen, not Celek, simply based on the former’s familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

True, Shanahan did have a number of positive things to say about Celek earlier this offseason.

It isn’t as if Celek is a bad player, per se. He just doesn’t have a clear-cut role in this particular offense. Not behind Paulsen, at least.

Celek making the roster seems to be a long shot at best.