The 49ers pared their roster to the league-mandated 53 players Saturday through the following 22 transactions: They placed outside linebacker Aldon Smith on the reserve/suspended list in response to Smith being suspended nine games Friday for violations of the league’s… Extra Point:
A very interesting day of cut downs for the Niners. Certainly, there were moves I did not see coming. I am surprised the team has 3 QBs, though I suspect that may change at some point this season. A little surprised that the team kept 6 WRs, and I am very surprised at the amount of turnover on special teams. I have to think the Niners were will to trade off a little in salary, a little on special teams, to try and retain some really strong talent at 'key' positions.

I am surprised by this approach. One of the things that made this team special is the strength of all aspects of the game, even special teams. I am happy if young players are flat out better than some of the special teams aces, but I would be a bit surprised if we really do have a better option to Kassim Osgood ... just for example. I am also shocked that the team made a switch at long snapper. Given the tenure of Brian Jennings at the position, and how hard it was to find someone that could actually knock him off... then just a year later, Nelson comes in, and wins the spot by being a bit better on the coverage teams. Nelson looked good a tight end too, but will he really see the field that way? Are we really going to be sending our only long snapper out on coverage? CJ Spillman saw a drop off from last season, but he was a core special teams guy, as was Bubba Ventrone, but the team is already carrying 4 safeties... hard to argue that they need more help their than at corner.

A quick break down of some of the others. Obviously, Aldon Smith off the roster until he returns back from suspension makes a great deal of sense. I think Acker's injury is a wink wink nudge nudge kind of think. I just think the team saw too much talent to cut him, but given the secondary being young, and mainly un-contracted next season, he is good insurance. Tukuafu also sticks around on the IR.

The team is so shallow along the offensive line, and they kept a low number of players. I suspect that they will try and bring Adam Snyder back on a cheaper contract... if not they may be scrambling at some point. Snyder is versatile, and not an amazing player, but the Niners have few options given their lack of depth across the line.

No real surprise that the team could not keep any more running backs. Despite looking good, this is a Gore, Hyde, James backfield, and there really is not room for more... Hunter and Lattimore are on the injured lists after all.

I suspect the team will do its best to bring back Skov... a victim of numbers,the team just has too many linebackers. The same is likely true of Daryl Morris at CB.