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Information regarding cuts and expected cuts continues to trickle in before teams make formal announcements.

Teams must reduce to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET, but nothing forces them to confirm or announce their moves at that time.

I have been tweeting, re-tweeting and commenting upon moves throughout the process. That will continue right here. And then once moves are confirmed/announced, I'll produce cutdown analysis pieces like the one for the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.

Enjoy your Saturday.

The fun is only beginning for NFC West teams after the mandatory reduction to 53 players Saturday.

Teams will continue shuffling their rosters as the Sept. 12 regular-season openers approach.

For now, though, we've gotten some answers. The chart shows positional counts for NFC West teams on the initial reduction to 53.

Counts for defensive linemen and linebackers vary by scheme.

The Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams might be able to use another offensive lineman (teams generally carry nine). The Seattle Seahawks appear light at linebacker after releasing Tyjuan Hagler and placing Leroy Hill on the reserve/suspended list.

Seattle might be inclined to keep only two quarterbacks. The team could sign one to its practice squad and/or bring back J.P. Losman later if an injury creates a need.

Biggest surprise: The Rams aren't good enough yet to produce a big surprise on cutdown day. I'll address a few mild ones. Rookies Jermelle Cudjo and George Selvie stuck on the defensive line, where Victor Adeyanju was the odd man out. The Rams parted with third-string quarterback Keith Null, who started four games last season. They dumped linebacker Bobby Carpenter, acquired from Dallas in the Alex Barron trade, after trying him at defensive end. In the secondary, I thought Quincy Butler might stick at cornerback after serving as a spot starter amid injury problems last season. At running back, Chris Ogbonnaya looked good in relief against Arizona last season and the Rams had some hopes for him early in the offseason, but he simply didn't run the ball well enough to earn a roster spot (even though the Rams' poor depth behind Steven Jackson has been a primary storyline all offseason).

No-brainers: The Rams kept only eight offensive linemen initially because the depth beyond their starters simply wasn't very good. On defense, safety Kevin Payne's injury situation cost him a chance at providing depth while James Butler recovers from a knee injury. Coach Steve Spagnuolo talked up rookie running back Keith Toston a few times, and he has long appreciated Kenneth Darby's toughness. But if the Rams can find upgrades, they should consider their options.

What’s next: The Rams hold the NFL's No. 1 waiver priority following their 1-15 record last season. Expect them to make a few claims in an effort to upgrade their roster. Most teams keep nine offensive linemen. The Rams could be active at that position. They could use a backup for Jackson. And with receiver Donnie Avery on injured reserve, the Rams could explore the trade market.

Rams players cut:
QB Keith Null
RB Chris Ogbonnaya
FB Dennis Morris
WR Danario Alexander
WR Jordan Kent
WR Brandon McRae
TE Darcy Johnson
OL Roger Allen
OL Tim Mattran
OL Ryan McKee
OL Drew Miller
OL Eric Young (IR).
DL Victor Adeyanju
DL Ernest Reid
LB Devin Bishop
LB Bobby Carpenter
LB Cardia Jackson
CB Quincy Butler
CB Marquis Johnson
CB Antoine Thompson
SS Brett Johnson
SS Kevin Payne (IR)

Biggest surprise: The Cardinals parted with tight end Anthony Becht even though rookie Jim Dray didn't seem to show a great deal through most of camp. Becht became a valuable blocker in the Cardinals' two-tight end sets last season. Stephen Spach's improved health this offseason lets him step into the role. Dray's ability to contribute on special teams also gave him an edge over Becht. Releasing outside linebacker Cody Brown stands as a surprise only because Brown was a second-round choice in 2009. Every other second-round choice from last season was still with his original team as of Friday morning. The move was less surprising based on Brown's contributions. I once thought Herman Johnson might develop into a starting offensive lineman, but he reported to camp overweight and the Cardinals let him go. Their depth on the line gave Johnson less margin for error.

No-brainers: Veteran insider linebacker Monty Beisel had started during part of preseason and the Cardinals are lean at the position after placing Gerald Hayes on reserve/physically unable to perform. But Beisel wasn't the answer at the position and keeping him on the roster for Week 1 would have guaranteed his salary. Rookie Daryl Washington looks like he'll be starting at linebacker sooner rather than later. The Cardinals have also been pleased with veteran Paris Lenon. Reggie Walker also survived the first wave of cuts.

What’s next: The Cardinals still must release three players to conform with the 53-man limit. Matt Leinart's future remains in limbo. Coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters Friday that he wasn't prepared to make a decision on that front just yet. The Cardinals have four quarterbacks on their roster: Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton and Leinart. That situation should shake out in the coming days. Whisenhunt said he needs to figure out whether Leinart could fit as a backup if the team decided to name Anderson its starter. "It's not so much a question of Matt and his ability to play football as it his how he fits with our team," Whisenhunt said. Update: Here's my take on Leinart, who was released Saturday.

Cardinals players cut:
QB Matt Leinart
LB Stevie Baggs
TE Anthony Becht
LB Monty Beisel
LB Cody Brown
DE Jeremy Clark
DE John Fletcher
CB Trevor Ford
WR Ed Gant
OL Herman Johnson
WR Mike Jones
WR Onrea Jones
CB Justin Miller
OL Jonathan Palmer
OL Tom Pestock
FB Charles Scott
WR Isaiah Williams

Biggest surprise: Veteran running back Michael Robinson was one of the best special-teams players in the league, but he wasn't a factor on offense and that hurt him. It's worth noting that the 49ers have a new special-teams coach, and Robinson hurt his chances for a roster spot by fumbling on the first play of the exhibition opener. Keeping third tight end Nate Byham as a potential backup fullback allowed the 49ers to keep only four running backs, at least initially. Robinson was also the emergency quarterback, but with third stringer Nate Davis surviving the mandatory reduction to 53 players, Robinson wasn't as important in that capacity, either. Former 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich is a first-year assistant special-teams coach in Seattle. Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan also works for the Seahawks. Perhaps Seattle can find a place for Robinson. I was also surprised to see the 49ers release veteran inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm.

No-brainers: Receiver Jason Hill was lost in the shuffle all through training camp, so his release came as little surprise. The team kept rookie Kyle Williams, who showed potential as a return specialist before suffering a toe injury. Dominique Zeigler also stuck after stepping up his game during camp. Zeigler's sure hands and precise route running worked in his favor. Hill could have some value elsewhere, but his future in a 49ers uniform was shaky. At tight end, Byham's development made J.J. Finley and Tony Curtis expendable. The 49ers kept only two tight ends last season. Byham proved worthy as the third tight end and as a potential backup fullback. The 49ers usually load up on defensive backs and this year might be no different; they kept 11, a high number. They also kept 10 offensive linemen, one more than usual -- not a surprise while center Eric Heitmann recovers from a broken leg.

What’s next: This is the initial 53-man roster, not the final one, and some players surviving the first cut cannot celebrate too wildly. Coach Mike Singletary has made clear his unhappiness with Davis, whose talent and potential have outweighed his preparation to this point. Davis might now have an opportunity to prove he's serious about becoming a professional and taking advantage of this second chance. On defense, the 49ers will need to monitor outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks' recovery from a lacerated kidney. Keeping Diyral Briggs and Travis LaBoy gives them pretty good depth at the position.

49ers players cut:
K Shane Andrus
LB Mike Balogun
QB Jarrett Brown
FB Jehuu Caulcrick
TE Tony Curtis
LB Bruce Davis
G Brian de la Puente
TE Joe Jon Finley
WR Bobby Guillory
WR Jason Hill
WR Kevin Jurovich
T Matt Kopa
LB Keaton Kristick
S Chris Maragos
FB Brit Miller
DT Khalif Mitchell
CB Karl Paymah
RB Michael Robinson
DT Will Tukuafu
DT Derek Walker
C Cody Wallace
LB Matt Wilhelm

I'll provide a separate file breaking down each NFC West team's roster moves once they meet the 53-man limit.

In the meantime, a few odds and ends:

Arizona Cardinals

Traded guard Reggie Wells to Philadelphia; released tight end Anthony Becht; released linebacker Steve Baggs; released linebacker Monty Beisel; apparently informed receiver Max Komar he made the initial 53-man roster; apparently did not tell quarterback Matt Leinart about his status to this point; scheduled a news conference for 6 p.m. ET (but nothing significant on Leinart is expected at that time).

San Francisco 49ers

Released running back Michael Robinson, released fullback Brit Miller; released fullback Jehuu Caulcrick; released receiver Jason Hill; released receiver Kevin Jurovich; released offensive lineman Cody Wallace; released defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell; released tight ends Tony Curtis and J.J. Finley; released linebacker Bruce Davis; released cornerback Karl Paymah.

Seattle Seahawks

No known moves to this point; Seattle waited until Saturday to announce its cuts last season.

St. Louis Rams

No known moves to this point; the Rams also waited until Saturday last season.

All four NFC West teams have met the 75-man roster limit after the Arizona Cardinals made moves involving three players Tuesday.

Arizona placed O'Brien Schofield on the reserve/non-football injury list with a knee injury. The Cardinals placed Nehemiah Broughton on injured reserve, also with a knee injury. They waived/injured receiver Darren Mougey (he can land on injured reserve after clearing waivers).

The chart shows roster counts by position for each team in the division.

NFC West teams are making roster moves before the 75-man limit takes effect Tuesday.

Making the moves between the third exhibition game and the next practice prevents affected players from suffering injuries while still on the roster, in which case the team could be responsible for all or part of the players' salaries.

The St. Louis Rams will get to 76 players by placing receiver Donnie Avery on injured reserve and releasing three players: running back Joe McCoy, guard Joe Gibbs and cornerback Marcus Brown.

The San Francisco 49ers were already at only 78 players when they announced moves getting them to 75: receiver Bakari Grant and cornerback Patrick Stoudamire were waived, while linebacker Brandon Long was waived/injured.

The chart shows NFC West roster counts by position after the Rams' and 49ers' moves. Teams must reduce to 53 players by Saturday.

Facebook friend Kris asks: "Hey, Mike, when do teams have to start making roster cuts?"

Mike Sando: Those dates are looming, especially for players on the fringes of rosters. Teams must reduce from 80 players to 75 players on Aug. 31, which falls after the third week of the exhibition season. Teams then must reduce to 53 players by Sept. 4, two days after the fourth and final week of the exhibition season.

Every NFL team plays Sept. 2, giving each team the same amount of time between the final exhibition game and the mandatory reduction to 53 players. The reduction to 75 players falls after a run of staggered games, however, so some teams have longer to mull their decisions.

For example, the St. Louis Rams play their final exhibition game Aug. 26, but the other NFC West teams do not play their exhibition finales until Aug. 28. That gives the Rams five days to make their cuts. All teams have plenty of time to make their assessments.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams held one more offensive lineman and one fewer running back than usual on their initial reduction to the 53-man roster limit.

That's easy to see once we compare current positional roster counts to Week 1 totals for the Rams since 2003. That's what the chart accomplishes.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch pointed to tackle Eric Young, guard Roger Allen III, defensive end C.J. Ah You, receiver Nate Jones and safety David Roach as "long shots" who survived the latest wave of cuts. The term "long shots" is a relative term. The Rams are rebuilding and their roster isn't as strong as it will become if the organization maintains continuity and makes wise decisions. I think it's unlikely any of those five players would have earned initial spots with the other teams in the division. It's unclear how much longer they might last with the Rams. Expect additional moves.

St. Louis Rams Week 1 Roster Counts since 2003 QB RB WR TE OL DL LB DB ST Today 3 4 5 3 10 9 7 9 3 2008 3 5 6 3 9 8 7 9 3 2007 2 5 6 4 9 9 7 8 3 2006 3 5 5 3 9 8 7 10 3 2005 3 5 5 3 9 8 6 11 3 2004 3 6 6 2 10 9 5 10 2 2003 3 7 5 3 9 8 6 10 2 Week 1 Fewest 2 5 5 2 9 8 5 8 2 Week 1 Most 3 7 6 4 10 9 7 11 3 2003-2008 Avg. 2.8 5.5 5.5 3.0 9.2 8.3 6.3 9.7 2.7 Current Over Avg. 0.2 -1.5 -0.5 0.0 0.8 0.7 0.7 -0.7 0.3

Equivalent charts for the 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals ran earlier.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

No one can accuse the 49ers of keeping players for the sake of hitting quotas at various positions.

The team's initial 53-man roster featured two tight ends and eight offensive linemen, low numbers in each category. Perhaps the 49ers think they can use the waiver wire or other means to find players better than the ones they released at those positions. Fullback is another position where the team might add a player.

The chart below provides perspective for moves San Francisco might make before its regular-season opener. The chart compares the 49ers' current positional roster counts against Week 1 rosters since 2003, with one adjustment from previous incarnations: Allen Rossum is counting as a cornerback. I previously counted him as a specialist because he serves primarily as a returner, but I didn't want to get into making similar value judgments for other teams. Too hard to track that way.

Note that the 49ers have traditionally kept extra defensive backs in recent seasons, saving spots on the defensive line and at receiver.

While I would expect the 49ers to consider adding a tight end, offensive tackle and fullback, the teams has played Week 1 games with its current numbers at those positions. The 49ers opened each of the last two seasons with four running backs, same as their current total. They opened the 2004 season with two tight ends. They opened the 2004 and 2005 seasons with only eight offensive linemen. I just think the team could use depth at those positions while transitioning to more of a power offense.

San Francisco 49ers Week 1 Roster Counts since 2003 QB RB WR TE OL DL LB DB ST Today 3 4 6 2 8 7 9 11 3 2008 3 4 5 3 9 6 8 12 3 2007 3 4 6 3 9 7 8 10 3 2006 3 5 5 4 10 5 8 10 3 2005 4 7 7 3 8 7 7 7 3 2004 3 6 6 2 8 9 7 9 3 2003 3 5 6 4 9 9 6 9 2 Week 1 Fewest 3 4 5 2 8 5 6 7 2 Week 1 Most 4 7 7 4 10 9 8 11 4 2003-2008 Avg. 3.2 5.2 5.8 3.2 8.8 7.2 7.3 9.3 3.0 Current Over Avg. -0.2 -1.2 0.2 -1.2 -0.8 -0.2 1.7 1.7 0.0

Equivalent charts for the Seahawks and Cardinals ran earlier. Rams chart to come.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Seahawks kept only seven defensive backs pending Lawyer Milloy's expected signing.

What does it mean? Well, the team kept only seven on its opening-day roster last season and the Seahawks haven't kept more than eight on their Week 1 rosters since 2003. The 49ers, in contrast, have kept at least 10 defensive backs on their Week 1 roster in each of the last four seasons.

That is the sort of perspective I'm hoping to provide by comparing initial 53-man positional roster counts against Week 1 counts since 2003. Seattle has never kept more than 10 defensive linemen on its Week 1 roster during the period in question. The Seahawks have 11 now, but for how long? If they choose to supplement another position, defensive line might be a logical place to clear a roster spot, based purely on numbers.

Seattle Seahawks Week 1 Roster Counts since 2003 QB RB WR TE OL DL LB DB ST Today 3 5 5 3 9 11 6 8 3 2008 3 6 6 3 9 9 6 7 4 2007 2 5 6 3 9 10 7 8 3 2006 3 5 4 4 9 10 7 8 3 2005 3 5 7 3 9 8 7 8 3 2004 3 5 5 3 8 10 7 8 3 2003 3 6 4 3 9 9 8 8 3 Week 1 Fewest 2 5 4 3 8 8 6 7 3 Week 1 Most 3 6 7 4 9 10 8 8 4 2003-2008 Avg. 2.8 5.3 5.3 3.2 8.8 9.3 7.0 7.8 3.2 Current Over Avg. 0.2 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2 0.2 1.7 -1.0 0.2 -0.2

I'll provide similar charts for the other teams in the division. Seattle's roster moves jumped out because the team released a projected starter in free safety Brian Russell. Note that the numbers from 2003-2008 reflect opening-day counts. Current rosters figure to change as the week progresses.

Roster counts by position for NFC West Pos. ARI SF STL SEA Avg. QB 3 3 3 3 3.0 RB 5 4 4 5 4.5 WR 7 6 5 5 5.8 TE 3 2 3 3 2.8 OL 9 8 10 9 9.0 DL 6 7 9 11 8.3 LB 8 9 7 6 7.5 DB 9 11 9 8 9.3 ST 3 3 3 3 3.0 Totals 53 53 53 53 53

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

I've updated NFC West rosters to reflect all announced moves and the Seahawks' expected signing of veteran safety Lawyer Milloy.

My 26-column initial 53-man Excel rosters are available for download here. I have also made them available on another server as backup. I have added a sheet listing all players in the division, plus a sheet with a pivot table allowing for further analysis. Disregard references to league averages because I haven't updated rosters for all 32 teams.

These rosters remain fluid. Front-seven counts are scheme-dependent. The Cardinals and 49ers will keep fewer defensive linemen and more linebackers than the Rams or Seahawks, for example.

The counts do not reflect unsigned 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree.

The 49ers will presumably add a fullback and tight end and possibly a tackle. The Rams might add a running back and receiver. The Seahawks surprised me by keeping 11 defensive linemen without saving a spot for Baraka Atkins. Derek Walker, Nick Reed and Michael Bennett beat out Atkins. Seattle kept only six linebackers, but the team has been comfortable with that number in the past.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Biggest surprise: Starting free safety Brian Russell, signed in 2007 after the Seahawks grew tired of assignment errors in the secondary, seemed to fend off a challenge from versatile backup Jordan Babineaux. That made Russell's release a surprise even though coach Jim Mora had said Babineaux would compete for the job in camp. The team went with Ben Obomanu as its fifth and final receiver, releasing Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Rookie defensive linemen Nick Reed and Michael Bennett joined preseason surprise Derek Walker among 11 defensive linemen, prevailing at Baraka Atkins' expense -- a big surprise. Rookie seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah beat out Joe Newton as the third tight end. Veteran kicker Olindo Mare beat out second-year pro and 2008 draft choice Brandon Coutu in a close battle. The team cleared another spot by placing starting corner Marcus Trufant on the physically unable to perform list, helping corner Travis Fisher earn a spot among the initial roster. Keeping 11 defensive linemen meant keeping only six linebacker, costing versatile veteran D.D. Lewis a job.

No-brainers: The Seahawks also released safety Jamar Adams, guard Brian De La Puente, cornerback Marquis Floyd, tackle Na'Shan Goddard, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Mike Hass, cornerback Kevin Hobbs, fullback David Kirtman, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Nate Ness, tight end Joe Newton, receiver Logan Payne, linebacker Dave Philistin, tackle Andre Ramsey, tackle William Robinson, quarterback Jeff Rowe.

What's next: The Seahawks reduced to 52 players with these moves, but the team was expected to add veteran safety Lawyer Milloy for depth and experience.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Biggest surprise: The Rams cut former special-teams captain Todd Johnson, a safety, and they also flushed out two veteran receivers they hoped would contribute, Ronald Curry and Tim Carter. Keeping rookie quarterback Keith Null over the more experienced Brock Berlin made sense because the Rams' top two quarterbacks, Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller, have lots of seasoning. The biggest roster surprise came when the team traded 2006 first-round cornerback Tye Hill to the Falcons. Free-agent addition Quincy Butler stuck on the 53-man roster after a strong training camp and preseason. He looked better than Hill, frankly, and the Rams' new leadership wasn't afraid to part with symbols of past failures. Placing defensive tackle Adam Carriker on injured reserve cleared another spot.

No-brainers: The Rams also released linebacker K.C. Asiodu, defensive tackle Antwon Burton, tight end Eric Butler, defensive end Ian Campbell, linebacker Dominic Douglas, tackle Renardo Foster, fullback Jerome Johnson, center Tim Mattran, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, cornerback Cord Parks, running back Antonio Pittman, safety Mark Rubin, guard Roy Schuening, tackle Phil Trautwein and receiver Sean Walker.

What's next: The Rams still need to make one move by the 6 p.m. ET deadline for complying with the 53-man limit. With only four running backs on the roster, counting fullback Mike Karney, the team probably needs to seek help at the position. Backup Samkon Gado suffered injured ribs in the final exhibition game. The Rams lack quality depth and they are starting over. As a result, the team could pursue players released from other teams.

Update: The Rams placed defensive lineman Eric Moore on injured reserve to comply with the 53-man limit.