SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers suffered some blows to their tight end corps in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks as Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek both suffered injuries.
McDonald did not return to the game with a hip injury but Celek was able to finish it after taking a shot to the back. Now, as they prepare for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Niners are hopeful that McDonald and Celek will be available but remain uncertain of their status.
McDonald did not participate in Wednesday's practice, doing some running and stretching on the side during the part of practice open to the media. Celek did participate on a limited basis for the second day in a row, albeit in a blue no-contact jersey.
Niners coach Chip Kelly said neither injury appeared too serious though it's unclear if McDonald or Celek will be ready for Sunday.
"We’ll see how the week goes along," Kelly said. "I don’t think it’s anything that’s a long-term deal, so it’s not a three or four week deal. We’ll see how the week goes along. I can’t predict whether they’ll be available to play on Sunday, but we’ll see how that goes.”
The only other tight end remaining on the roster is Blake Bell though the 49ers have tight end Je'Ron Hamm on the practice squad.
Here's Wednesday's complete injury report:
Did not participate: TE Vance McDonald (hip), CB Jimmie Ward (quadriceps).
Limited participation: TE Garrett Celek (back).
Full participation: S Marcus Cromartie (ankle), DT Arik Armstead (shoulder), NT Mike Purcell (ankle), WR Torrey Smith (foot), S Jaquiski Tartt (knee), DT Quinton Dial (knee), DT Glenn Dorsey (knee), CB Keith Reaser (ankle), G Andrew Tiller (ankle).
