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San Francisco 49ers: 4 players who benefit early from training camp injuries

By Robert Morrison

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 26: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal signals first down after making a catch on fourth down against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 26: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal signals first down after making a catch on fourth down against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

No. 2: TE Kaden Smith

The 49ers selected tight end Kaden Smith in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Stanford, likely considering ways to add to their arsenal at the position along with George Kittle.

Odds were already pretty good Smith was going to be able to supplant Celek as the 49ers’ second tight end. But with the latter’s offseason back surgery, combined with him still being in the concussion protocol, Celek being able to stick around for his eighth season with the team is becoming increasingly unlikely.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Smith, in all actuality, could feature in Shanahan’s offense in much the same way Celek has over the past few seasons. His production in college suggests he’ll be a solid pass catcher who’ll need to work on his blocking.

This should seem pretty familiar to 49ers fans, who’ve seen Celek offer 20 to 29 catches for about 300 yards during his most productive seasons in San Francisco.

If Smith can show himself capable of being at least that productive, expect Celek to not be able to overcome his injuries and find himself released before the season begins.

And while Celek’s injuries also open the door for a competition for a potential third tight end spot, between the likes of Ross Dwelley, Levine Toilolo, and newly signed Niles Paul, Smith has more to gain.

Training camp and the preseason will be vital to Smith carving out a role for himself in 2019.