Garrett

Celek

Celek spent most of 2019 on I.R. with a back injury. He returned for five games before re-injuring his back in Week 14. Celek likely wouldn’t have had much free agent interest had he not retired. The 31-year-old spent his entire career as a blocking tight end with the 49ers, catching 82 balls for 1,104 yards and 12 touchdowns across 91 games.

TE Daniel Helm has been promoted from the practice squad in a corresponding roster move. Levine Toilolo will assume Celek’s blocking role. Celek had yet to catch a pass in five games since being activated from the PUP list in early November. That injury was also to his back. Back woes are an unideal development for a 31-year-old tight end. Celek, who has been in San Francisco since 2012, is in the final year of his contract.

Adding Celek to the team’s roster is a strong indication that George Kittle (knee, ankle) won’t suit up Monday night against the Seahawks. The 49ers released CB Dontae Johnson in a corresponding roster move.

This opens Celek’s three-week activation window. If he’s not activated during that timeframe, he will revert to season-ending IR. When healthy, Celek blocks behind George Kittle. FB Kyle Juszczyk (knee) is nearing a return, perhaps denting Celek’s activation odds.

Celek has started 30 games for the 49ers since joining the team in 2012, but has primarily been used as a blocker and never caught more than 30 passes in a season.

Celek is still recovering from offseason back surgery and isn’t expected back until “several weeks” into the regular season, according to beat reporter David Lombardi of The Athletic. With Celek out, Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo will be candidates to fill the void behind starter George Kittle at tight end.

Celek is dealing with a multitude of injuries right now, but none bigger than his back injury that required offseason surgery. Since he’s not expected to be cleared until “at least” training camp, Celek being cut wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Celek’s 2019 status will have zero effect on George Kittle.

The operation comes with a two-month timeline and is apparently similar to one he underwent in 2014. The back is no small matter, but the head injury remains Celek’s primary concern. He is not expected to be cleared until “at least” training camp.

It’s highly concerning news, as Celek suffered the injury in Week 17. The 31-year-old (this month) also suffered a concussion in 2015. He is dealing with a back injury in addition to the head issue.

Celek played most of this year with a broken thumb. He’ll need a couple months to recover but should be ready for OTAs. Signed through 2019 at $1.7 million, Celek will return as the blocking complement to George Kittle.