The San Francisco 49ers made a big roster move on Wednesday. Matt Maiocco tweeted the team has released center Jeremy Zuttah. I can confirm through my own source that this has happened. The 49ers originally acquired Zuttah from the Baltimore Ravens in a swap of sixth round draft picks. The 49ers have signed linebacker Sean Porter to fill Zuttah’s roster spot.
The news comes after reports on Tuesday that Tim Barnes was starting to get some of Zuttah’s second string center snaps, and was also getting some second team guard work. Zuttah was expected to supplant Daniel Kilgore, but it never materialized. Kilgore has offered more athleticism and competency in the Kyle Shanahan zone blocking scheme.
This all but ensures Barnes has a roster spot when final roster cuts happen. Zane Beadles can also play center, but with Joshua Garnett out for at least a month, maybe more with his knee injury, they can’t afford to be that thin inside. The starting interior line is looking like Daniel Kilgore at center, with Zane Beadles and Brandon Fusco at the guard positions. Tim Barnes would be the primary backup, although once Garnett returns, Beadles could slip into that role for the guard positions.