Fooch's update: McDonald was subsequently ruled out with the concussion.
The San Francisco 49ers are down to one tight end following an injury to Vance McDonald. After a 12-yard catch and run to convert a third down, McDonald took a knee to the head. Trainers took a look at him, and then brought him back to the locker room. The team announced he is questionable to return while he is evaluated for a concussion.
Blake Bell is the team's last primary tight end on the roster. Long snapper Kyle Nelson can also play tight end, but he generally only plays tight end in the preseason. And this year he did not see much of that time as well. As long as McDonald is out of the game, Bell will get the tight end snaps, and we can expect to see more of fullback Bruce Miller. When the 49ers have dealt with tight end injuries, they use the fullback instead of their two-tight end sets.
The loss of McDonald would not have been viewed as a big deal in the past, but he has been really solid the last two games. This does open the door for Bell, who had a big catch last week.