49ers: 5 lineup predictions over the remainder of 2018

San Francisco 49ers: 5 lineup predictions over the remainder of 2018

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 and defensive back Antone Exum #38 of the San Francisco 49ers can't stop running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he rushes into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Ross Dwelley #82 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a paly against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Ross Dwelley Takes Over from Garrett Celek as No. 2 Tight End

Unfortunately for veteran tight end Garrett Celek, the 2017 “Celek Time” moniker hasn’t carried over into this season.

Celek’s five accepted penalties are the most among all 49ers players this season, outnumbering the amount of receptions he’s had all year (three), which is down from the 21 he posted back in 2017.

Simply put, the 30-year-old veteran has become more of a liability than an asset at this point in his career.

Sure, Celek still has a fairly good shot at sticking around beyond this season. But the past few weeks have seen an uptick in snaps for third-string tight end Ross Dwelley, who managed 13 offensive snaps in the game versus the Giants.

Dwelley might never be a game changer at the pro level. At this point, though, Celek’s lack of impact and liabilities on the field open up the idea the 49ers may rather see what they have in the rookie over the veteran.

Especially as they look to formulate the depth chart once this season is over.