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San Francisco 49ers: 2019 ‘State of the Franchise’ (Tight end)

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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49ers 2019 State of the Franchise Tight End George Kittle
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

49ers 2019 tight ends: Returning players

The San Francisco 49ers enter training camp with one de facto starting tight end in Kittle, and five question marks. Of the bubble players, the two returning tight ends are the least likely to make the team’s initial 53-man roster.

George Kittle

Kittle did it all in 2018, earning All-Pro honors despite being forced to play with three different quarterbacks over the course of the season. Kittle’s was the first tight end in league history to lead the NFL in yards after the catch (YAC), thanks to a gaudy 10.2 YAC-per-reception rate.

Kittle had an unbelievable sophomore campaign, but the 49ers can’t expect their stud tight end to continue to perform at his record-breaking pace. So, Lynch and Shanahan added talented receiving targets at the wide receiver position and at tight end, which should lessen the team’s reliance on their top playmaker.

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1079536538306768897

Garrett Celek

Unfortunately for 49ers tight end Garrett Celek, “Celek Time” may be coming to an end for the seven-year veteran. After posting a pair of 300-yard seasons, Celek managed just five receptions for 90 yards in 2018. Celek was also penalized six times and dropped a key red-zone pass that was returned for a touchdown. The long-time Niner remains in the concussion protocol from a head injury sustained last year, and is also recovering from offseason back surgery. Given his $2.7 million price tag, Celek’s time in San Francisco is likely nearing its end.

Ross Dwelley

Last year, undrafted free agent Ross Dwelley began his rookie campaign on the 49ers’ practice squad, before making his NFL debut in Week 6 as a replacement for third-string tight end Cole Wick. Dwelley spent most of his time on special teams in 2018, catching just two passes for 14 yards. Dwelley also didn’t excel as a blocker last season, and given his lack of speed, the second-year tight end faces an uphill battle to make the 49ers’ initial 53-man roster.