Next to Darnell Dockett being shown the door, perhaps the most head-scratching move the San Francisco 49ers made on defense to get their roster to 53 players over the weekend was cutting inside linebacker Nick Moody.
Granted, Moody was not a three-time Pro Bowler, like Dockett. Nor was Moody a perennial starter, having started just two of the 20 career games in which he played.
But he was seemingly solid and, until Michael Wilhoite began practicing prior to the third preseason game, Moody had been holding things down at inside linebacker next to NaVorro Bowman.
Plus, Moody’s 18 preseason tackles were tied for the team lead with fellow inside linebacker Shayne Skov, who made the cut as Bowman’s backup.
So, what gives?
“That was a tough decision,” said coach Jim Tomsula. “Nick Moody busted his tail and (that was) just the way that worked out numbers-wise, and where we were, that tough decision had to be made.”
The inside linebackers the 49ers kept were Bowman, Wilhoite, Skov and special teams ace Nick Bellore.
The 49ers also held onto four outside linebackers in Corey Lemonier, Aaron Lynch, rookie Eli Harold and Ahmad Brooks, who is not facing a suspension at this time despite facing charges for misdemeanor sexual battery.
Moody seemed to take the slight in stride on Twitter.
I'm super straight. Thanks for everything @49ers
— Nick Moody (@Moody54TMB) September 5, 2015He was reportedly on his way for a workout with the New York Giants Monday.