With the signing of kicker Billy Cundiff, the San Francisco 49ers released linebacker Eric Bakhtiari to make room on their 53-man roster. Cundiff is expected to compete with David Akers to be the place kicker for the playoffs. San Francisco has an extra week to determine if it will be Cundiff or Akers. This is the second time this season Bakhtiari was cut by the 49ers. He was previously cut right before the season started.

The linebacker appeared in five games this season after re-signing with the team on September 19. He filled an open roster spot when fellow linebacker Clark Haggans was suspended for three games for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse.

Bakhtiari was inactive for the San Francisco’s season finale against the Cardinals and he has now been released 11 times by six NFL teams since 2008. He played college at the University of San Diego under Jim Harbaugh.

Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

After 16 days of practices at team headquarters in Santa Clara, the San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their 2012 training camp on Thursday.  Niner fans have mostly heard good things coming out of training camp with few negatives as the team heads into their second exhibition game Saturday.  Here are some things we learned from training camp:

Alex Smith Continues Development

Last season Alex Smith started every game for the first time since 2006 and for the second time in his career.  He only threw 5 five interceptions in 445 pass attempts and had 17 touchdowns.  The offense was ranked 11^th in the NFL in scoring last season and a lot had to do with Smith making good decisions and not turning over the football.  All of this happened with the 49ers having no offseason workouts and a shorter training camp.  With a full offseason and training camp, we can expect Smith to excel even more than last season.

The offense will be more than one-dimensional this season and Smith has a great chance to finally shed the game manager label from last season.  The reason Smith will be able to do this is with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham to throw to.  Smith has connected with the new receivers which will make him more confident and accurate as he has been given a huge upgrade at the position compared to last season.

Colin Kaepernick Will Be the Backup QB

Colin Kaepernick is the quarterback of the future, but for now he will hold down the No. 2 spot behind Smith.  It was a surprise there was even a training camp battle for backup QB as Kaepernick was the No. 2 last season.  Kaepernick still has issues passing while in the pocket, but he has shown great accuracy in the shotgun formation and rolling out to pass.  Fear not, should Kaepernick have to start this season Jim Habaugh and Greg Roman will tailor the game plan to suit his skill set.

Alex Boone at Right Guard

The 49ers biggest free agent lost this offseason was right guard Adam Snyder, who signed with the Cardinals.  The 49ers did not sign a replacement and instead decided to move Alex Boone from tackle to guard.  Even though he has never played the position he looked great at training camp and in the first preseason game, showing athleticism at the position.  Standing in at 6-8, Boone has long arms that make him a worthy pass protector for Alex Smith.  His one weakness is staying low while pass protecting, which can be an advantage for shorter defensive lineman

WR Depth Chart Still Unclear

Last season the passing game was mainly Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.  This season the 49ers have a lot of new additions, but the depth chart is still unclear.  We do know Crabtree is for sure No. 1 on the depth chart.  Randy Moss, Mario Manningham or Ted Ginn Jr. will be the No. 2 receiver.  All of this will be worked out over the final three preseason games, but I would be surprised if it’s not Moss.  He has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove he is not done at the age of 35.  Moss should start the season as the No. 2 with Manningham as the slot receiver.

No Big Injuries

At training camp the 49ers suffered no big injuries to starters that will make them miss the start of the regular season.  Outside linebacker Aldon Smith did suffer a bruised right hip and may not play the rest of the preseason, however, he is expected to be 100% by the regular season opener. Tight end Delanie Walker did injure his knee but he is not expected to be out every long.  Not suffering any injuries to starters, especially on offense is a good omen for the 49ers.

Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers released tight end Nate Byham.  The former 49ers sixth-round pick in 2010 had missed the last two weeks of training camp and all of last season after tearing his ACL in training camp.  It was reported Byham missed the last two weeks of training camp because of aggravating his ACL injury.

In his rookie season in 2010, Byham started three games for the 49ers and recorded five receptions for 27 yards.  Byham was fighting for a role as the No. 3 tight end on the roster behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker.  Also in the mix at tight end are Demarcus Dobbs, rookie Garrett Celek, Konrad Reuland and recently signed Joe Swayer.  As of now, Dobbs is leading the position battle and has the best chance to make the team as the No. 3 tight end.  Dobbs is a converted defensive lineman who will play both positions should he make the regular season roster.