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Some around here thought John Greco was more than ready to assume a starting role on the St. Louis Rams' offensive line.

"John Greco is much better than anyone realizes and will be a starting-caliber guard if they give him a chance," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said during a May discussion. "They should be excited about him. He doesn't have a discernible trait where he is a real masher or a wonderful technician or a great athlete, but he is good at all of the above and he really has a nasty streak to him. He is somebody to keep an eye on."

I don't think the Rams saw that nasty streak.

After landing Harvey Dahl in free agency and finding a way to keep Jacob Bell amid salary concerns, the team traded Greco to the Cleveland Browns. Adam Goldberg, the starting right guard in 2010, could still return in a backup role. But with Dahl in and Greco out, the line has undergone a massive overhaul since Steve Spagnuolo's arrival as head coach for the 2009 season.

Orlando Pace, Goldberg, Brett Romberg, Greco and Alex Barron were the starters in the final game before Spagnuolo's hiring. Cory Withrow and Roy Schuening were backups in that game. Bell, Richie Incognito and Anthony Davis were listed among inactive players. Bell is the only one of those 10 players still with the team.

The projected starting five this season -- Rodger Saffold, Bell, Jason Brown, Dahl and Jason Smith -- each started all 16 regular-season games last season (Dahl was with Atlanta).

Esteemed espn_nfcwest Twitter follower Big_B_39 was on the right track early Friday afternoon when he wondered whether Harvey Dahl's signing in St. Louis would affect Jacob Bell's status with the team.

Dahl plays right guard and Bell plays left, so Dahl's arrival does not affect Bell directly. But it was fair to wonder whether the Rams would want to pay Bell's full $6 million salary this season, particularly after investing significant amounts in the rest of the line as well.

The Rams did ask Bell to accept a pay cut. Bell told me Friday the sides couldn't reach an agreement and that the team will release him as a result. Bell plans to test the market. He also said the door remains open for a return to St. Louis.

The Rams appear set at every other position on the line. Rodger Saffold (left tackle), Jason Brown (center), Dahl (right guard) and Jason Smith (right tackle) are the projected starters. Bell started all 16 games last season and 13 games in each of the previous two seasons, his first with the Rams after signing as a free agent from Tennessee.

Bell received a $7 million signing bonus as part of his deal with the Rams. The contract was scheduled to pay him $6 million in base salary for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons. His contract was going to count more than $7 million against the salary cap this season.

Restricted free agent John Greco provides depth at guard for the Rams. He has four starts over the past three seasons. Adam Goldberg, an unrestricted free agent, was the starting right guard last season.

The St. Louis Rams got meaner Friday when they reached agreement with Atlanta Falcons guard Harvey Dahl on a four-year deal, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The move fills a void at right guard while giving the Rams what I would consider needed bite up front.

Dahl is one of those offensive linemen who gets under opponents' skin, the type teammates love and opponents love to hate. Dahl ranks third among NFL offensive linemen since 2008 in penalties for personal fouls and unnecessary roughness, according to ESPN Stats & Information. In 2009, he drew then-San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary into a verbal spat during a game. Singletary later apologized.

Adam Goldberg had been starting at right guard for the Rams, but he was best suited, in my view, as the type of versatile backup every team can use. Goldberg, an unrestricted free agent, gave the Rams flexibility through his ability to play guard or tackle.

Dahl was undrafted out of Nevada in 2005. He spent time with the 49ers in 2006 before working his way into the lineup with Atlanta.

Our Scouts Inc. Insider report on Dahl reads, in part, that Dahl "gives Atlanta a competitive, try-hard blocker on the inside. He has excellent dimensions for the position and is an adequate knee bender, but has limited lateral range and change-of-direction agility."

Dahl isn't likely to challenge for Pro Bowls, but he's going to challenge the defender in front of him. He's going to play with attitude. Again, the Rams can use that dimension up front. They had it for a while in Richie Incognito, but his over-the-edge behavior on the field became untenable.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. told me he thought the Rams would be fine turning over the right guard job to John Greco, a player Williamson considers vastly underrated. Greco probably has more talent than Dahl, but Dahl brings an edge the Rams can use on offense.

Steve Hutchinson's disputed departure from the Seattle Seahawks five years ago changed the landscape for guards across the NFL.

The contract Hutchinson commanded from the Minnesota Vikings put other top guards in position to cash much fatter paychecks.

The position has assumed the spotlight in the NFC West recently. The San Francisco 49ers used a first-round pick for a guard in the 2010 draft. The Seahawks used a 2011 third-round choice for Wisconsin guard John Moffitt. Their first-rounder, tackle James Carpenter, appealed to them in part because he can play guard as well. The Arizona Cardinals watched left guard Alan Faneca retire while wondering whether right guard Deuce Lutui would hit free agency.

The St. Louis Rams, meanwhile, failed to address the position in the draft, creating questions about how the team might proceed in free agency. But what if their next starting right guard is already on the roster?

"John Greco is much better than anyone realizes and will be a starting-caliber guard if they give him a chance," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. told me recently.

Greco, 26, started three games in 2009 and one in 2008. He played in six games last season, but did not start. The Rams selected Greco in the third round of the 2008 draft, a couple of months after current general manager Billy Devaney arrived as executive vice president of player personnel. Veteran Adam Goldberg started all 16 games at right guard last season. He has 30 starts over the last two seasons.

Greco, meanwhile, hasn't done much.

"They should be excited about him," Williamson said. "He doesn't have a discernible trait where he is a real masher or a wonderful technician or a great athlete, but he is good at all of the above and he really has a nasty streak to him. He is somebody to keep an eye on."

Goldberg, valued for his versatility and leadership, has started 58 games over seven NFL seasons, including two with the Vikings.

"Goldberg, to me, is a great six," Williamson said. "He can play a lot of positions. Keep him in the offensive line meeting room, but keep him off the field."

Counterpoint: Former Rams executive Tony Softli, who was with the team when it drafted Softli, questioned Greco's toughness and said it was time for the team to pat ways with him. Assist to Facebook friend Paul for pointing out Softli's recent evaluation.

The 2011 NFL draft was good for the most recent NFC West chat. Fresh ground to cultivate. I'll dive right in with some highlights:

Jeff (Seattle): When I look at the '11 QB draft class, because of the need and the labor situation, I think of parents rushing out to buy Beanie Babies or Tickle Me Elmo when they were the must have Christmas toy. It seems like next year's QB class can provide better value with a new labor agreement for all these teams who have filled the need, and it is arguably a better class, unquestionably at the top with Andrew Luck.

Mike Sando: I'm in no position to evaluate the quarterbacks selected based on their bodies of work in college. I did not scout them. However, based on ratings assigned to these players ahead of time, I think there's some merit to the idea that teams reached some. The Christian Ponder selection at No. 12 stands out. That is why I thought Seattle was generally OK not taking a QB at No. 25 under the circumstances.

Andrew (Minnesota): Watching the 49ers' draft, I got confused. Robert Quinn was supposed to be the superior choice over Aldon Smith. And I am still confused why Smith was chosen seventh overall. I get that he has "potential" and is athletic. But I live in a state where our NBA team has tons of "potential" and it results in the worst record in the NBA. Please make me feel better for them taking Smith over Quinn.

Mike Sando: Not sure I can help on this one. It is possible Quinn projects as more of a 4-3 defensive end. Also, Quinn carried risks (brain tumor, sitting out the 2010 season under suspension). The 49ers thought they were making a safer choice at No. 7. The Rams felt more comfortable with the risk on Quinn picking seven spots later. The Rams were probably in better position here.

Ken (Anaheim): There seem to be a lot of questions about the Rams' draft and the fact the they did not fill some perceived areas of need (guard, No. 1 receiver, backup running back). The tight end they took remains a hot topic around the Rams' board. I think they did well to help Sam Bradford reach the next level. I just hope they can sign some players in free agency. How do you feel they did? Did they blow some chances to help themselves in the draft?

Mike Sando: The Rams were in position at No. 14 to wait for one of the top talents to fall for one reason or another. It happened with Quinn, presumably based on medical concerns. I applaud the Rams for staying patient and getting value in that spot. There was no sense charging up the board for one of the wide receivers, and that wasn't happening, anyway, given how much Atlanta paid to move up for Julio Jones. The Rams view Lance Kendricks as a very good receiver. He plays tight end, but he's going to be featured as a target for Bradford. You just have to trust Josh McDaniels on that one. This was a pick he influenced. The receivers they drafted add depth and competition without transforming the position. Perhaps they plug in John Greco at right guard. They need to use free agency for other needs, including linebacker. I expect they'll do that. They had some success getting Na'il Diggs previously. He was better than expected, but injury clouds his future.

Derrik (AZ): If I were the Cardinals' general manager, I'd trade a 2012 first-round pick along with Beanie Wells for Kevin Kolb. If Philly wanted Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie instead of Wells, then I might call Denver to see if Orton could be had for a second-round pick.

Mike Sando: I'd much rather give up a 2012 second-rounder for Orton than a 2012 first and Beanie Wells for Kevin Kolb. Is Kolb even better than Orton?

The chart shows 2010 stats for Kolb and Orton. Note: I typed Andy Dalton instead of Christian Ponder during the chat. Fixed!

The San Francisco 49ers have gone for quality over quantity in trying to build a big, powerful offensive line.

The team has drafted seven offensive linemen since 2005, one below the NFL average. But the 49ers selected a league-high three of the seven in the first round and a league-high five of them in the first two rounds.

That jumped out right away when sizing up NFC West offensive linemen from the 2005-2010 draft classes for the latest "adventures in drafting" installment.

The Arizona Cardinals have taken a different approach, using a division-low one first-round selection for the offensive line since 2005. Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Oakland, San Diego, Tennessee, Dallas, Minnesota and the New York Giants have selected no first-round offensive linemen during that span.

The charts break out NFC West selections by general draft position, with a column showing how many starts each has made for his original team. I am using the term "not active" loosely to describe players who haven't been on rosters during the regular season recently.

Italics reveal what teams might have been thinking as they entered various stages of the draft.

We should find 10-year starters with Pro Bowl potential, most often at tackle ...

Every offensive lineman selected among the top 50 or so choices should contribute and hopefully start ...

The most athletic prospects are gone by now, but tough guys still have value ...

These guys have question marks, obvious limitations or both, but we'll still get some starts from them ...

Anyone seen the Seahawks or 49ers lately?

What are our numbers on the line again? Let's get another one here.

The Arizona Cardinals began the Ken Whisenhunt era by drafting an offensive tackle, Levi Brown, fifth overall in 2007.

No NFL team has allocated less draft capital for offensive linemen than Arizona in the subsequent three years, however. Whisenhunt has defended the line's play, particularly in relation to the team's struggles last season. But with all three interior starters unsigned for 2011, this could be the year for Arizona to restock through the draft.

By my calculations, the Cardinals had the oldest offensive linemen in the NFL last season, largely because they tended to have veteran backups.

The chart shows how much draft capital teams have allocated for their offensive lines since 2008. By draft capital, I'm talking about the cumulative draft-chart value for the draft choices used on the position.

For example, the St. Louis Rams used the 33rd overall choice of the 2010 draft for left tackle Rodger Saffold. The trade chart values that pick at 580 points. In 2009, the Rams used the second overall choice, valued at 2,600 points, for tackle Jason Smith. In 2008, the Rams used the 65th overall choice (265 points) for John Greco and the 157th overall choice (29.6 points) for Roy Schuening.

Add up those totals and the Rams have allocated a league-high 3,475 draft points for the offensive line over the last three drafts. The San Francisco 49ers, the only team to use more than two first-rounders on the position since 2007, rank third. The Seattle Seahawks are fourth after using the sixth overall choice for Russell Okung last year and a 2009 second-rounder for center Max Unger.

The trade-value chart isn't perfect. It might become more outdated depending on a how a proposed rookie wage scale affects how teams value early choices. At best, though, the values can provide a guide. And in this case, the guide says the Cardinals could stand to draft a lineman.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says this wouldn't be the first time Matt Hasselbeck's contract talks with the Seahawks went down to the wire. O'Neil: "The first time also resulted in a last-minute agreement when Hasselbeck signed a six-year, $49.6 million contract in February 2005, the deal announced the very day the team may have been forced to use the franchise tag on Hasselbeck without a long-term deal. Six years later, Hasselbeck and the Seahawks are nearing another deadline, only this time there are national implications. Without a new deal, the future becomes very uncertain. That statement is true for the league in general and for the Seahawks and Hasselbeck in particular. That means everyone will be watching what happens before the close of business Thursday."

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune has this to say about Hasselbeck's status: "Seahawk management has conceded that the quarterback issue is absolutely fundamental to the franchise’s future. If there were conviction that Hasselbeck’s being retained is the best option, it seems that a deal would have been struck by now. But without a labor deal in place, no one will have a clue where the Hawks stand relative to the most important position on the field. At least for a while."

Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle says during a video clip that "anything can happen" regarding Hasselbeck -- including a new deal before the labor situation ends -- and that the quarterback will ultimately decide whether he wants to stay in Seattle or not.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Matt Leinart's fate with the Cardinals took a hit when the microphone a teammate was wearing captured the quarterbacks' rant against the team. Bickley: "During the last game of the preseason, the then-Cardinals quarterback was wandering the sideline when he approached a teammate who was wired to capture the sounds of an NFL game. The teammate asked Leinart about his future in Arizona, and according to whispers, Leinart let loose on the organization and the head coach. One problem: Leinart had no idea his teammate was wearing a hidden microphone. Did the audio outburst reach Ken Whisenhunt? Did it hasten or trigger Leinart's departure? The Cardinals say no, but clearly, it couldn't have helped."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com passes along a 2006 photo showing Prince Amukamara, then in high school, posing with Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald at the Cardinals' facility. Urban: "Amukamara has come a long way since then, going to the University of Nebraska, getting switched to cornerback and, obviously, filling out physically. Now he’s a first-round NFL draft pick-to-be, impressing a lot of people at the just-completed Scouting combine. He’s regarded as the second-best cornerback behind LSU’s Patrick Peterson."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams tendered contracts to their potential restricted free agents. Thomas: "Tight end Daniel Fells, defensive tackle Gary Gibson and offensive tackle Renardo Foster were tendered at a right of first refusal level. None of the three players were drafted, so the Rams have matching rights on any outside offers. But they would not get draft pick compensation if the players received a contract offer from another club and the Rams decided not to match that offer. Meanwhile, linebacker Chris Chamberlain, offensive guard John Greco, cornerback Justin King, wide receiver Laurent Robinson and linebacker David Vobora were tendered at their original draft position level." Fells, Gibson and Robinson would generally qualify as unrestricted free agents using previously established parameters. Quincy Butler, Kenneth Darby and Curtis Johnson did not receive tenders.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers appear uninterested in bringing back quarterback Troy Smith. Also from Barrows: "Many of you have asked via Twitter and other means whether the team will cut ties with cornerback Nate Clements before the league year ends as the Packers did today with linebacker A.J. Hawk. In Hawk's case, he was set to earn a $10.5 million bonus on the first day of the new league year. Clements also is scheduled for a huge salary in 2011, but unlike Hawk there is no trigger point -- aside from the start of the season -- that would prompt an early release."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh values accuracy in his quarterbacks, one reason Troy Smith probably isn't in the team's plans. Alex Smith isn't particularly accurate by starting quarterback standards, but he has completed a higher percentage of passes than Troy Smith.

Outside Linebacker: James Laurinaitis has become a rock in the middle of the St. Louis Rams defense and a great all-around player. But just imagine what head coach Steve Spagnuolo could do with a dynamic do-it-all outside linebacker to add to the defensive equation. To me, this is the one position that St. Louis should make the most significant upgrade. I am talking about adding a real difference-maker. David Vobora, Chris Chamberlain and Bryan Kehl are each adequate, and Vobora is a free agent.

Offensive Line: There is a lot of talent at offensive tackle and in time, St. Louis very well could have the best set of bookends in the league in Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold. But overall, the protection wasn’t great. That should improve, especially as quarterback Sam Bradford and the tackles mature. But this group really didn’t do a very good job of opening holes for running back Steven Jackson either. Adding more weapons on the outside to get defenders away from the line of scrimmage would help. Getting nasty versatile John Greco into the starting lineup at right guard might help, too. But so far, the talent here is far greater than the production.

Pass-Catchers: Many see wide receiver as the glaring No. 1 need for the Rams. I don’t totally disagree, but I think the foursome of Mark Clayton, Donnie Avery, Danario Alexander and Danny Amendola certainly can get the job done. Clayton is a free agent and I would very much advocate getting him locked up. It isn’t perfect and I don’t see a true No. 1 wide out in the bunch, so drafting a guy like Alabama’s Julio Jones would be hard to argue with. But to me, I would rather add a dynamic tight end (Owen Daniels and Zach Miller come to mind) in free agency for Bradford to lean on in the middle of the field. A quality tight end can be a young quarterback’s best friend.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at what the Rams have on offense and what they need heading into the offseason. Thomas on what the line needs: "You can get by with one 'finesse' blocker at guard, but not two. The Rams need a road grader there to help with run blocking and to neutralize wide-body DTs. One of the season's mysteries was why the Rams couldn't get John Greco in uniform over the second half of the season. The run blocking was at its best when Greco was part of a time-share at right guard with Adam Goldberg. A smart, tenacious player who helped keep Smith settled down on the right side, Goldberg lacked the bulk to handle bull rushes and power moves inside; he's scheduled for unrestricted free agency. At center, Jason Brown didn't play as well as he did in 2009. At left guard, Jacob Bell had some problems with power players but was generally effective." Adding a more dynamic threat at receiver could also help open up running lanes. Teams were able to load up against the run without enough regard for giving up the big play. That made life tougher for the linemen in ground game.

Also from Thomas: what the Rams have on defense and what they need. Thomas on what the team needs at linebacker: "A quality weakside linebacker, someone with range who can play the run and the pass, is one of the Rams' top overall needs. In an ideal world, this guy could also rush the passer. Too often the Rams got burned on outside runs because they couldn't hold the perimeter, or couldn't get to the edge in time. Too often, opposing running backs and tight ends leaked out late as receivers with the Rams slow to detect them, which meant what should have been small gains turned into costly bigger ones. Better play at outside linebacker would help shore up these problem areas."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hands out end-of-season awards for the Rams. He says it was "disgraceful" for the team to fire longtime equipment manager Todd Hewitt. Miklasz: "One thing I've learned from watching the good and the bad at Rams Park for the last 16 years is this: It's never healthy for coaches to worry about things that have nothing to do with winning or losing games. It's never healthy for coaches to be insecure about having 'their' guys in place all over the building. Hewitt was loyal to the Rams because he deeply loves the franchise -- which means he was loyal to Steve Spagnuolo and to all of the men who have passed through as the head coach."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune asks whether familiarity with the Chicago Bears can help the Seahawks when the teams play in the divisional-playoff round. Safety Lawyer Milloy: "I think it always helps. We know what to expect. We beat Chicago in their home stadium, but they’re definitely a different and better team since the last time we played them."

Doug Farrar of Sportspress Northwest says the Seahawks will face an improved Bears offense when the teams meet for the second time this season. Farrar: "In the second half of the season, the Bears have used pre-snap motion as often and as effectively as any team in the league. On their first play from scrimmage against the New York Jets in Week 16, the first formation was an empty backfield before running back Matt Forte and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna motioned into the backfield, changing the Jets’ interior defensive structure and loosening up the run defense enough for Forte to gain four yards. On the next play, Devin Hester’s motion from right to left forced the defensive backfield to shoft that way, which left Forte with an opening outside for an additional five yards on the ground. When extra blocking was needed, Manumaleuna might motion from inline to an I-formation or H-back look in order to give second-level protection and allow Jay Cutler to move and roll out in the pocket, and this was a major improvement."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says money isn't the only factor when it comes to the Cardinals re-signing Larry Fitzgerald. Somers: "The team needs an upgrade at quarterback to improve upon its 5-11 record this season, and to convince Fitzgerald that the offense is heading in the right direction. Fitzgerald caught 90 passes for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns this season, but he was open on numerous other occasions, and the quarterbacks had trouble getting him the ball. At this point, the Cardinals probably are doing most of the talking, and agent Eugene Parker likely is doing more listening."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the word "preliminary" in relation to contract talks can mean very little is going on substantively. Urban: "But the Cards have never been anything but sure they wanted to keep him long-term, and I have always thought his remaining in Arizona was the most likely outcome."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers will make some changes to their front office. Maiocco: "Tom Gamble, director of pro personnel, will become the team's director of player personnel. Gamble has been in the NFL for 23 seasons, the past six with the 49ers. He has worked for nine playoff teams -- five with the Indianapolis Colts and four with the Philadelphia Eagles. After the promotion of Gamble, the 49ers plan to hire an experienced NFL executive to serve in a senior football advisor role."

Also from Maiocco: 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky interviews with Carolina.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looks at ties between the defense Dom Capers runs in Green Bay and the one Vic Fangio is expected to run with the 49ers. Barrows: "The two started coaching professional football together under (the elder) Jim Mora for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars of the USFL. That team's famed 'Doghouse Defense' blitzed often and was one of the first to bring pass rushers from an array of angles. Many of the blitzes Capers uses today had their origins in the USFL 25 years ago and the experience influenced both men. The Stars appeared in all three of the league's championship games and won two of them."

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News says the 49ers' hiring of Jim Harbaugh stands as a coming-of-age moment for team president Jed York, who understands why people are skeptical about a leadership team featuring York and first-time general manager Trent Baalke. York: "I'm 29 years old, Trent's a first-time general manager. People are going to have questions. And we haven't done anything yet. It's time to get to work."

ST. LOUIS -- Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has done little during warm-ups at the Edward Jones Dome.

He might play anyway.

Cassel's name was not among the list of inactive players Kansas City submitted 90 minutes before kickoff. The Chiefs named Tyler Palko as their third quarterback. The Chiefs did not immediately disclose any lineup changes. Cassel or Brodie Croyle could start at quarterback.

Cassel has already missed one game since having an appendectomy. He practiced on a limited basis during the week and did not participate fully in warm-ups at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday morning. Croyle and Palko threw intermediate routes to receivers running at full speed. Cassel tossed soft 8-yard passes to a team staffer while working off to the side.

The Chiefs' inactive list featured cornerback Mike Richardson, safety Ricky Price, fullback Mike Cox, safety Reshard Langford, linebacker Charlie Anderson, center Rudy Niswanger and defensive tackle Anthony Toribio.

Inactive for the Rams: safety Michael Lewis, cornerback Justin King, running back Kenneth Darby, fullback Mike Karney, linebacker David Nixon, guard John Greco, receiver Mardy Gilyard and tight end Mike Hoomanawanui.

The situation at running back is a little troubling for the Rams. Darby is the top backup for Steven Jackson. The team has been naming Karney inactive by choice.

Rookie Keith Toston is the No. 2 running back behind Jackson.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals named some healthy contributors inactive Sunday.

The Rams sat down fullback Mike Karney for a second consecutive week even though Karney was available to them. Brit Miller is getting some snaps at fullback in the base offense. Miller also offers more on special teams. The Rams have sometimes moved a tight end into the backfield for blocking help, although their preferred choice in that role, Mike Hoomanwanui, is inactive with an ankle injury.

The Cardinals named defensive lineman Gabe Watson inactive after their defensive front struggled badly against the San Francisco 49ers last week. Defensive end Calais Campbell, inactive with an ankle injury last week, is active Sunday. Watson had been active for the previous three games.

Also inactive for Arizona: receiver Max Komar, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, safety Hamza Abdullah, cornerback Marshay Green, linebacker Reggie Walker and center Ben Claxton. John Skelton is the third quarterback.

Also inactive for the Rams: safety Michael Lewis, cornerback Jerome Murphy, linebacker Bryan Kehl, guard John Greco and defensive tackle Darell Scott. Scott has been injured. Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo, inactive against Denver, is active for this game.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers announced their list of inactive players for Week 10 without making waves.

The situation was much different in Arizona, where the Cardinals named defensive lineman Darnell Dockett (shoulder) and running back Beanie Wells (knee) inactive against Seattle. The Seahawks named left tackle Russell Okung inactive, no surprise but a significant development nonetheless.

A look at NFC West inactives:

Arizona Cardinals: Wells, Dockett, receiver Max Komar, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, safety Hamza Abdullah, linebacker Cyril Obiozor and center Ben Claxton. John Skelton is the third quarterback. Paris Lenon is starting at linebacker despite an ankle injury. Alan Branch starts for Dockett. Branch has played well this season; he had two sacks against the Seahawks earlier this season in a breakout game for him.

Seattle Seahawks: Okung, receiver Brandon Stokley, fullback Michael Robinson, guard Mike Gibson, receiver Golden Tate, nose tackle Colin Cole and defensive lineman E.J. Wilson. Gibson provided quality depth on the offensive line. Ruvell Martin is active at receiver while Stokley and Tate recover from injuries.

St. Louis Rams: cornerback Justin King, cornerback Quincy Butler, safety James Butler, tight end Fendi Onobun, linebacker David Vobora, guard John Greco, receiver Danario Alexander and defensive end Eugene Sims. The Rams are thin in the secondary, as usual, but the 49ers aren't likely to spread the field with wide receivers all afternoon, either.

San Francisco 49ers: receiver Kyle Williams, quarterback Alex Smith, cornerback Tramaine Brock, linebacker Keaton Kristick, linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, tackle Barry Sims, tackle Alex Boone and receiver Jason Hill. The 49ers are keeping four wide receivers active, the minimum. They are healthier at tight end.

The San Francisco 49ers lost quarterback Alex Smith to a shoulder injury in Week 7 when the Carolina Panthers sacked him with pressure around the right side of the offensive line.

The St. Louis Rams could be at a greater risk for a similar outcome after learning that a concussion would sideline right tackle Jason Smith against Carolina in Week 8.

Smith suffered the injury during a collision in practice Thursday.

Renardo Foster, who started two games for Atlanta as a rookie in 2007, gets the start Sunday (although coach Steve Spagnuolo told reporters Adam Goldberg could move from right guard to right tackle, with John Greco taking over at guard.) The change marks the first time this season the Rams have changed up their starting five on the offensive line.

Injuries on the line were a major factor in the Rams' struggles late last season. Smith missed the final six games after suffering a concussion. The Rams have a bye in Week 9.

Foster is 6-foot-7 and 333 pounds. We have seen other offensive linemen, notably Tyler Polumbus in Seattle, outperform expectations when called upon.

The chart shows the Rams' starting line combination this season. Greco has rotated wtih Goldberg at right guard. Depth at tackle has been a concern, however. The team kept fewer offensive linemen than usual on its initial 53-man roster in part because the ninth- and 10th-best linemen in camp weren't strong enough to earn spots on the roster.

The team's eagerness to part with former starting tackle Alex Barron was understandable on one level because Barron wasn't in the team's long-term plans. Depth at the position suffered in the short term, however.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are looking for their first victory over Seattle since the 2004 season. Chris Massey and Steven Jackson are the only current St. Louis players to experience victory over the Seahawks as members of the Rams. Thomas on that 2004 victory: "The entire Rams rookie class was in high school. The Rams were the defending NFC West champions. And sellouts, the kind where every ticket actually gets sold, happened every Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome." Shaun Alexander rushed for 176 yards in that 2004 game, but Matt Hasselbeck completed only 15 of 36 attempts with one interception and a 45.1 rating. Marshall Faulk carried 18 times for 139 yards. Jackson, a rookie, had 10 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Chike Okeafor (Seattle) and Adam Archuleta (St. Louis) were the leading tacklers for each team.

Also from Thomas: thoughts on whether James Laurinaitis is approaching elite status.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with new Rams running back Chauncey Washington, who considers himself famous even without "Hard Knocks." Washington: "I think I was famous before that. Just maybe you guys didn't know about me. But on the West Coast, I'm famous."

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat passes along this comment from Washington: "I got drafted by Jacksonville and I was there with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, and then I got the opportunity to go to the Cowboys with Marion Barber and Julius Jones, and then I got the opportunity to go to the Jets and be with Thomas Jones and L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson). I think everywhere I have been I have been blessed to be able to learn from the great backs. I think here I am going to continue to learn from Steven Jackson." He was with Reggie Bush and LenDale White at USC.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says John Greco gave the Rams' running game a boost when he got reps at right guard against the Redskins.

Also from Wagoner: The Rams sought to move on from their 30-16 victory over Washington even though victories have been scarce.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the team practiced in full pads for 100 minutes Wednesday. Also: "Rookie Walter Thurmond worked at left cornerback for (Marcus) Trufant, Will Herring was at strong-side linebacker for (Aaron) Curry and Junior Siavii and Kentwan Balmer got work at tackle for (Brandon) Mebane."

Also from Farnsworth: a look at changing dynamics on the Seahawks' offensive line.

John Morgan of Field Gulls offers thoughts on the Seahawks' blitzes against San Diego. Morgan: "Maybe not all of the blitzes worked, but quite a few did, and while San Diego was chewing yards, they were playing snap after snap on the verge of turnover."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers an interview transcript featuring comments from Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Bradley on Rams quarterback Sam Bradford: "Even if he does get sacked or throws a bad ball, he bounces back and will come back and throw a nice ball. One stat that impressed me, I think he's like third in the league with passes over 30 yards. So he has done a nice job for their team, and doesn't make many mistakes. He's real impressive."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says the Seahawks were happy to have Russell Okung and Chester Pitts practicing Wednesday. Ben Hamilton and Sean Locklear rested knee injuries.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Okung wore a brace on his heavily wrapped ankle.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says newly acquired Seahawks receiver Brandon Stokley could give the Seahawks what Bobby Engram once gave them. Stokley on what he can offer: "Veteran leadership … a guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to help win football games. … I just love to compete. I’m a guy who’s not worried about stats or individual accolades, I just try to do whatever it takes to win games."

Todd Fredrickson of the Everett Herald says Seahawks safety Earl Thomas felt like he was back at Texas Tech when defending the Chargers' all-out passing attack.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic looks at the challenges Arizona faces at receiver with Steve Breaston and Early Doucet unavailable. Somers: "Playing with inexperienced receivers is not ideal, however, and the Cardinals could make adjustments in scheme and personnel to compensate. They could go to more to formations using two tight ends, or use a running back as a slot receiver."

Also from Somers: Philip Rivers once served as Adrian Wilson's chauffeur.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says LaRod Stephens-Howling met with the couple for whom his return touchdown secured a new home as part of a promotion. Said the husband: "He's got a place to stay forever."

Also from Urban: why it's tough to add a new quarterback during the season.

More from Urban: The Cardinals liked their young receivers better than any they might have signed off the street.

More still from Urban: Arizona could have an edge on special teams against the Chargers in Week 4.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along these thoughts from Mike Singletary regarding 49ers quarterback Alex Smith: "I don't think I've ever underestimated the quarterback situation. I think the quarterback is very important. Do I think he's the most important? No, I don't. A great example is the game we played on Sunday. I think (Chiefs quarterback) Matt Cassel is a good quarterback. Do I think he's a great quarterback? Do I think he's the most important part of that offense? No, I do not. But they won the game. If I'm a passing team, if I'm the Indianapolis Colts, yes, I think the quarterback is the most important part of the team. If I'm the New England Patriots, I think the quarterback is the most important part of that offense. The 49ers right now, I feel the quarterback is very important. But I don't think he's the most important part of our offense. I think there are 11 guys, and on this offense I want 11 guys to know that each and every one of them on every play is important." Quarterback is the most important position on any team, and if he is just one of 11 equals, the team will have a harder time beating the best teams.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Singletary went with Mike Johnson at offensive coordinator after Johnson provided Singletary a list, upon request, of things he would do differently. Smith: "I do think there will be more variation. I think personnel and formations and things like that, there will be some different things. I think we'll find out how they're going to play certain personnel, find out how they're going to play certain formations and then go from there."

Also from Barrows: Singletary lost his cool and got into a shouting match with Falcons guard Harvey Dahl the last time the 49ers faced Atlanta. Almost forgot about that one.

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' offense will strive to be more flexible. Barber: "Smith conceded the offense hasn't been 'real dynamic' this season and suggested that its inability to adjust to opposing defenses was part of the problem. Smith stressed the importance of being flexible and said Johnson shares his beliefs."

Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group says the 49ers' defense shouldn't get a free pass with all the focus on the team's new offensive coordinator.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers are not considering a quarterback change. They don't appear to have a viable alternative.