49ers depth chart: Ranking 5 most important backups in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Tight End Ross Dwelley
San Francisco has had a number of unsung heroes over the last two years, and reserve tight end Ross Dwelley certainly should be considered one of them.
When All-Pro tight end George Kittle missed two games in 2019, it was Dwelley who stepped up in a big way. And while Dwelley caught only 15 passes that year, two of them went for touchdowns, and it sure seemed like every grab came in a vital moment during the 49ers’ Super Bowl run.
On top of that, Dwelley also filled in at fullback for the injured Kyle Juszczyk, who was absent for four games, further adding to Dwelley’s versatility as a lead blocker and possible pass-catching mismatch out of the backfield.
Then in 2020, when Kittle was out for eight games, Dwelley was the primary beneficiary and recorded a career-best 19 catches for 245 yards.
Is Dwelley a downgrade from both Kittle and Juszczyk? Absolutely. But at least Dwelley has shown the knack for being the epitome of a quality plug-and-play backup player who can step in at multiple positions and start in a pinch.
Considering Kittle’s own injury history, the Niners have shown their smarts by continuing to invest in a player of Dwelley’s ilk.