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The San Francisco 49ers lost two of their three tight ends on Sunday, with Vernon Davis suffering a concussion and Garrett Celek a hamstring strain. There is no specific word yet on either's status, with Jim Harbaugh indicating on Monday that they were both undergoing medical evaluations.
Harbaugh got a specific question about what the team would consider if the tight ends can't play on Sunday:
If Vernon and Celek can't play Sunday, is TE Derek Carrier ready to be elevated from the practice squad?
"We're looking at some options right now and there's some decisions to be made. You wait until you get the medical results back and then have more evidence to make those decisions."
Is it possible to bring someone in from the outside?
"I think the first step is just wait to get the medical results and get those guys examined and have more data."
The 49ers signed Carrier to the practice squad on September 3. Carrier entered the NFL with the Oakland Raiders as a 2012 undrafted free agent out of Beloit (WI) College. He was cut at the end of training camp, and then spent some time on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. The Eagles released him during the first round of roster cuts this past August.
He's a small college guy, so there isn't a ton of information out there, but Pro Football Weekly had a scouting report before the 2012 NFL Draft:
A college receiver with tweener size [listed at 6'4, 241], Carrier is an athletic, productive, small-school, multisport standout who created a buzz at the Wisconsin pro day. Boasts intriguing workout numbers, including speed in the low 4.5s, a 38-inch vertical jump and a 3-cone time of 6.65 seconds ... Has developmental value as a detached, finesse pass catcher given his athletic skill set, receiving ability and production.
FOX Sports Wisconsin had an interesting feature on him last year, detailing his journey leading up to his signing with the Raiders after the draft.
The longer the 49ers wait to make a move this week, the more likely it is that Carrier would be the one to get the call. The team has alternatives if one of the two injured tight ends can't go, but if both can't, they would have to bring in somebody. Adam Snyder, Demarcus Dobbs and Daniel Kilgore can provide some extra blocker work, but they remove any threat of the pass if they're the only ones in with Vance McDonald.