49ers roster: 53-man bubble watch with 2022 minicamp in the books
By Peter Panacy
49ers bubble watch: Tight end
Lock: Ross Dwelley, George Kittle
Strong bubble: Tyler Kroft, Charlie Woerner
Weak bubble: Tanner Hudson, Jordan Matthews
Long shot: Troy Fumagalli
Minicamp produced some drama at tight end where there are plenty of question marks surrounding who’ll back up the All-Pro, George Kittle.
Kittle didn’t partake in on-field practices, meaning depth options like Ross Dwelley, Tyler Kroft, Tanner Hudson and Jordan Matthews all saw an uptick in reps.
Hudson, Kroft and Matthews all made some notable catches, too, according to multiple reports from those sessions available to the media.
It’s feasible the Niners keep four tight ends, especially in light of Kittle’s notable injury history. But the more realistic route will be only three on the roster, meaning two of those aforementioned backup names will have to go.
Should San Francisco bank of Kroft over Hudson, and can Matthews fully develop after transitioning from wide receiver? Or will the 49ers continue relying on third-year pro Charlie Woerner’s blocking prowess over his catching abilities?
Tough questions to answer, and the situation here remains fluid and competitive.