49ers 2019 training camp: Predicting the biggest winners and losers

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

6 of 9

San Francisco 49ers top cap casualties 2019

Tight End Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Loser: Tight End Garrett Celek

Veteran tight end Garrett Celek might have ended up on the losing side of a training camp competition long before camp actually begins.

This, for a number of reasons. First, he was flagged six times last year compared to only five receptions. And his “Celek Time” moniker from 2017 simply didn’t carry over to last year.

On top of that, both Celek’s contract status (he has just one year remaining on his deal) and the fact he remains in the NFL concussion protocol won’t help his chances of sticking around this season.

San Francisco brought aboard tight ends Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo in the NFL Draft and free agency, respectively, during the offseason. Smith has far more upside as a pass catcher than the older Celek, while Toilolo’s blocking skills are far superior, too.

It’s possible, perhaps likely Celek doesn’t survive roster cuts. And with his head injury still a concern, you’ve likely seen the last of “Celek Time” in a 49ers uniform.