SANTA CLARA — The 49ers have been described as a team with a wide chasm between established stars, journeymen hoping to make the roster and rookies who are learning the ropes.

Nowhere is that gulf as wide as tight end. The 49ers signed Luke Farrell to a three-year, $15.75 contract to complement George Kittle, a franchise icon and probably the best two-way (receiving, blocking) tight end in the NFL. Also in the mix is Jake Tonges, the Los Gatos High and Cal product who looked to be a fringe player who had a 50-50 shot at making the 53-man roster.

Kittle left with a hamstring strain early in Seattle, was placed on injured reserve and will miss at a minimum three more games including Sunday’s home opener against the Arizona Cardinals (1:25 p.m., Fox). If that wasn’t enough, fullback Kyle Ju

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