49ers depth chart vs. Rams: Dan Skuta moves into starting lineup

The San Francisco 49ers released their latest depth chart, and it already reflects Aldon Smith's move to the Reserve/NFI list. His departure has resulted in Dan Skuta moving into the starting lineup. Corey Lemonier is listed behind him as the second string outside linebacker.

As always, we post the depth chart with the caveat that this is released by the PR department reportedly with the help of some, but not all the coaches. That being said, given the 49ers use of veterans, one has to imagine Skuta is likely to be the "starter" on Sunday when the 49ers are in their base defense. Where it actually gets interesting is when they switch to the nickel. Does Skuta remain in the lineup as one of the two defensive ends, or does Corey Lemonier get that work.

My guess at this point is Skuta and Lemonier have a similar rotation to what we saw from Parys Haralson and Aldon Smith in 2011. This is nothing more than a hunch, but it seems like a logical option. Lemonier has some incredible athleticism as a pass rusher, while Skuta appears a bit more of a stable option against the run.

LaMichael James remains listed as the starting kick and punt returner. He has been rehabbing his MCL sprain, but believes he is ready to play. We'll see if he's back this weekend, and what it means for Kyle Williams as a return man, and the 49ers rushing attack.

Offense:

QB: Colin Kaepernick, Colt McCoy, B.J. Daniels
LT: Joe Staley
LG: Mike Iupati, Joe Looney
C: Jonathan Goodwin, Daniel Kilgore
RG: Alex Boone, Adam Snyder
RT: Anthony Davis
RB: Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Anthony Dixon
FB: Bruce Miller, Anthony Dixon, Owen Marecic
TE: Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek
WR: Anquan Boldin, Marlon Moore, Jon Baldwin, Kassim Osgood
WR: Kyle Williams, Quinton Patton, Chris Harper

Defense:

RDT: Justin Smith, Demarcus Dobbs
NT: Glenn Dorsey
LDT: Ray McDonald, Tony Jerod-Eddie
ILB: Patrick Willis, Michael Wilhoite
ILB: NaVorro Bowman, Nate Stupar
OLB: Dan Skuta, Corey Lemonier
OLB: Ahmad Brooks
LCB: Carlos Rogers, Tramaine Brock
RCB: Tarell Brown, Nnamdi Asomugha, Perrish Cox
SS: Donte Whitner, Craig Dahl, Raymond Ventrone
FS: Eric Reid, C.J. Spillman

Special teams:

Kicker: Phil Dawson
Punter: Andy Lee
LS: Kevin McDermott
PR: LaMichael James, Kyle Williams, Perrish Cox
KR: LaMichael James, Kyle Williams, Perrish Cox