SANTA CLARA – George Kittle, through nine remarkable years, has the second-most receptions in 49ers history.
So when does he have an Achilles healthy enough to close that little 686-catch gap on Jerry Rice?
That is the 49ers’ biggest question, and until he is cleared, they are in a bind, entering training camp with essentially the same options from last season.
Less than eight months after his right Achilles ruptured in a wild-card playoff win at Philadelphia, Kittle can take aim at playing in the 49ers’ season opener against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
But if he opens camp on the Physically Unable To Perform list and remains there the opening four games, no one would blame the 49ers for protecting their franchise’s most proficient tight end ever.
They did not draft a tight end among an eight-man class, nor did they sign a veteran in free agency, at least not yet. Here is how the unit looks entering camp:
TONGES’ STAR TURN
Jake Tonges made an unexpected and stirring rise as Kittle’s understudy on last season’s stage. Of his five touchdowns, the first came in game-winning fashion in Week 1 at eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle.
Tonges got rewarded with a new contract (two years, $8 million) for potentially more heaving lifting the early part of this season. His 34 career receptions (all from last season) are a mere 561 shy of Kittle, who also has 52 touchdown career catches.
JUSZCZYK MOONLIGHTS
All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk is entering his 10th season with the Niners (as is Kittle) and could see more tight end duties than ever. Then again, his lead-back role is imperative if the 49ers are to recharge their rushing attack. It will be curious to see how much time, if any, he spends with the tight ends in camp.
ROOKIE UPSIDE
Khalil Dinkins, undrafted out of Penn State, is viewed more of an in-line blocker when deploying multiple tight ends, although his running ability shouldn’t be overlooked. His four-year collegiate total: 37 catches, 3999 yards, seven touchdowns; Kittle was 48-737-10 in his Iowa tenure.
OTHER OPTIONS
Luke Farrell was hired a year ago as a blocking specialist, yet his most critical play came when a Brock Purdy pass to him was intercepted in the 49ers’ playoff exit at Seattle.
Brayden Willis has fared well in past camps, yet he hasn’t drawn a target through three seasons (23 games). Hayden Rucci, formerly of the Lions and the Dolphins, joined in January, so this will be his first 49ers’ training camp.
COACHING CORNER
“You work together. That’s my coaching style in general. You work with everybody in the room. ‘Hey, how do you see this route? What do you think?’ I’m able to take the way Kyle (Shanahan) sees the game and the way they see it, and kind of combine it. George has been good to me. If I see something, he’ll say, ‘Cam, what do you think of this?’” – Cameron Clemons, who was promoted to tight end coach once Brian Fleury became the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.
BY THE NUMBERS
Every 49ers tight end is listed at 6-foot-4 (except Farrell at 6-5) and between 240 and 250 pounds.