The San Francisco 49ers will likely be down at least one tight end when they face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Vance McDonald stretched with the team, but then worked on a side field once drills began, according to the beat writers observing practice. Meanwhile, Garrett Celek was practicing, but wore a blue non-contact jersey for the second straight day. The team had a walkthrough on Tuesday, and their first practice participation report will be published Wednesday afternoon.
If McDonald is unable to play, Garrett Celek would get the start, with Blake Bell serving as the second tight end. The team has Je’Ron Hamm on their practice squad, but no other regular options at tight end. Long snapper Kyle Nelson can play the position, but other than that, it’s kind of barren.
The team filled an empty roster spot by signing wide receiver Keshawn Martin. If Celek can go, I don’t see the team adding a third tight end given their use of three wide receivers fairly regularly. If Celek is unable to go, then maybe we see Hamm promoted from the practice squad on Saturday.