This one is a little bit of a surprise. The San Francisco 49ers have released offensive lineman Joe Looney, according to Matt Maiocco. It is far from shocking, but given Daniel Kilgore's injury, I am a little surprised. Looney is not a great offensive lineman, but with Kilgore on the PUP, a veteran presence would have made some sense. His release will save the 49ers $660,000, and they will carry $106,301 in dead money.
Jim Tomsula named Marcus Martin the starting center earlier this week, with Jordan Devey moving in at right guard. Ian Silberman had handled some center snaps, while Dillon Farrell has handled a lot of work at both center and guard in his time with the team. This would seem to assure Farrell and/or Silberman of a roster spot given that experience. This also could mean Kilgore's ankle is making solid progress. He said he will be taking his boot off next week, so he could be good to go after six weeks on the PUP list.
The 49ers offensive line remains a huge question mark, but they are continuing to get younger and younger across the board. Looney was entering his fourth season in the league, and was likely a departure after the season anyway.
Here is an updated roster list:
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QB Colin Kaepernick RB Carlos Hyde FB Bruce Miller WR Anquan Boldin |
TE Vernon Davis OT Joe Staley OG Alex Boone
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ILB NaVorro Bowman OLB Ahmad Brooks |
CB Tramaine Brock S Eric Reid K Phil Dawson P Bradley Pinion LS Kyle Nelson |