The San Francisco 49ers have cut their roster down to 79 players, with a few expected moves, and some interesting decisions. They have to release or trade four more players between now and Tuesday. The team formally placed Eric Rogers on injured reserve, and released the following players:
WR DiAndre Campbell
RB Kendall Gaskins
DL Darren Lake
K John Lunsford
LB Wynton McManis
OL Blake Muir
OL Ian Silberman
WR Jerome Simpson
CB Cleveland Wallace
Gaskins, Campbell, Silberman and Simpson are the notable veteran releases. Simpson had been getting praise during the offseason workout program and early in training camp. My guess is the team decided to cut him now to give him some time to find another team. We often see that with expected veteran cuts.
All of the players are eligible for the practice squad, but the first wave of roster cuts are usually not likely to end up on the practice squad. This move follows the 49ers decision to trade Kenneth Acker to the Kansas City Chiefs.