Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers 2019 training camp: 10 things to watch during opening weekend

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 and Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers go up against each other in a 7 on 7 drill during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 and Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers go up against each other in a 7 on 7 drill during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Levine Toilolo #80 of the Atlanta Falcons on the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Levine Toilolo #80 of the Atlanta Falcons on the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

No. 6: The Battle for Backup Tight End

No one is going to challenge Pro Bowler George Kittle for the No. 1 tight end spot in 2019. That’s a given.

Behind him, though, it’s a wide-open camp competition.

Garrett Celek’s injury only adds to his precarious hold on a roster spot. Entering the last year of his current contract, plus the fact he had six accepted penalties against last year, compared to only five receptions, likely means Celek is on his way out this season.

The Niners selected Stanford tight end Kaden Smith in Round 6 of the NFL Draft, then added another former Kyle Shanahan player in Atlanta, Levine Toilolo, for his pass blocking. Niles Paul is in the mix, too, and undraftee rookie Tyree Mayfield out of Wyoming could be a player to watch, in terms of depth.

Shanahan is likely to keep three tight ends on his 53-man roster. Perhaps only two, if he’s looking to open up a roster spot for another position, which is entirely possible.

Needless to say, whoever shines early behind Kittle will have an excellent chance to hang around in Week 1.