The San Francisco 49ers were dealing with heavy injuries at the tight end position. With Vernon Davis suffering from a concussion and Garrett Celek dealing with hamstring issues, it was thought the team might start to look for a tight end on the free agent market. However, as the week progresses, the team is likely to get Davis back which could be a big boost for the offense.
Celek is still considered day-to-day with his hamstring issues after straining himself attempting to return a punt at the start of last Sunday's game. The tight end is hopeful that he can return for Week 11 play but the team doctors are giving no timetable towards his availability. Celek might not be needed though as Davis appears set to return at full strength.
Davis suffered his second concussion in one year after getting hit hard last December. He worked out Tuesday and has been officially cleared for practice in time to prepare for the New Orleans Saints. The veteran only described his concussion as very minor compared to the one he received last year in the game against Seattle.
"I'm doing fine, feeling great and just taking it one day at a time," Davis said, via San Mercury News. "I have to wait for doctors to let me know what I can do next. I didn't really have too many symptoms. My memory was good. My balance was OK."
This is good news for the 49ers who need to increase Davis' role in order to win. Without the tight end, the 49ers are a totally different offense than when he is an active player. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has a rating of 81.7 with Davis on the field, but without him he has a rating of 13.1. Kaepernick also completes 61.1 percent of his passes with Davis while only putting up a 43.1 completion percentage without him. So far this season, Davis has caught 78 percent of the touchdown passes which is the highest percentage by one player in the league.
Kaepernick has struggled this year this year to look like the same quarterback he was last season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is placing blame on the entire team before jumping on his quarterback's lack of explosiveness. With the return of Davis, the third-year pro could see a big boost in numbers.
