The 49ers made a roster move ahead of their Monday night showdown with the Seahawks. They officially activated tight end Garrett Celek off the PUP list, and waived cornerback Dontae Johnson to make room on the roster.
This move suggests two things. First, tight end George Kittle, who was already doubtful with knee and ankle injuries, will probably not play now that Celek is activated. Johnson’s departure is also a good sign for cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who’s been out since Week 3 with a foot injury.
Celek has been on the PUP list since undergoing back surgery during the offseason. His three-week practice window was opened the week leading up to the Seahawks game. San Francisco only needed to only see a week of action from Celek before putting him on the 53-man roster. He’d worked well as the second tight end during head coach Kyle Shanahan’s first two seasons. Ross Dwelley holds that spot now, but having Celek will give the 49ers an additional body to try and adequately replace Kittle’s production.
