The San Francisco 49ers' lack of investment in the tight end position in the 2024 NFL Draft led to a question about one of their 2023 picks at that spot in Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch's post-draft press conference.
But, right now, the odds of Cameron Latu playing significant snaps in 2024 appear slim.
Latu, a third-rounder out of Alabama, did not play in 2023 owing to a knee injury that led him to be placed on injured reserve. Prior to that, he had endured an up-and-down training camp and preseason defined by his struggles catching the ball.
After the 49ers elected not to use a 2024 pick on a tight end, Shanahan was asked if Latu is the favorite to be the backup behind All-Pro George Kittle.
"No," he replied. "We're looking at all the tight ends. He hasn't been out here yet, we like guys to practice first."
Of course, the 49ers have not started the portion of their offseason program in which their players can go through real practices. This section of the program is voluntary.
While Shanahan had a smile on his face while responding, his comments indicate the 49ers aren't exactly satisfied that Latu hasn't shown up at the facility for the start of the program as he seeks to make up for lost time after the frustration of his rookie year.
The 49ers lost blocking tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency and did not bring back longtime third-stringer and special teamer Ross Dwelley, seemingly creating an opening for Latu and 2023 seventh-rounder Brayden Willis to make their case for significant roles behind Kittle.
However, the 49ers signed veteran Eric Saubert late in free agency having previously tried to sign Brock Wright of the Detroit Lions as a restricted free agent, with those moves indicating they are far from happy with what they have behind Kittle.
Shanahan has previously maintained he does not have a "doghouse", a term used in previous years when the likes of Dante Pets and Brandon Aiyuk were not receiving a high workload.
Yet at this point, Latu appears closer to the doghouse than he does to securing the second-string tight end role.
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