The San Francisco 49ers have been on a years-long journey to find a quality backup tight end behind George Kittle.

They've had good blocking options, but they've tended to lack in the pass-catching department. It looked this offseason like that would change when the 49ers signed veteran Logan Thomas.

Last season Thomas posted 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns for the Washington Commanders. Those numbers aren't far off the combined career totals of the 49ers backup TEs last year combined.

Thomas could have been the reliable pass catcher San Francisco has been searching for. Then he got hurt early in training camp, and the 49ers released him Friday before their preseason opener against the Titans.

His release leaves a pretty big question mark on the depth chart behind Kittle.

Veteran Eric Saubert has been a frequent contributor in camp. He's a six-year veteran with 36 career receptions for 292 yards. If there's a frontrunner for the TE2 job, he's probably it.

Second-year TE Brayden Willis is an interesting athlete, but his ability to produce in the NFL is still a huge question mark after he spent most of his rookie season contributing on special teams.

Jake Tonges has played in just four NFL games since joining the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He spent time on the 49ers practice squad last season and offers some versatility at fullback. He's still an unknown as an NFL player, though.

Cameron Latu, another second-year TE, is still aiming to find his footing as a pro. Mason Pline is an undrafted rookie who's in the same boat.

Maybe some combination of Saubert and Willis will provide more playmaking than previous backup TEs, but Thomas' release tells us the 49ers will still prioritize blocking above all else at that position. Their search for another pass-catching TE will likely move into next offseason.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers roster: TE suddenly a question mark after release of proven veteran