49ers’ first roster cuts include Barkley, Hightower, Barnes

When asked after Thursday night's preseason finale why quaretrback Matt Barkley didn't play, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that he already knew "Matt can do." That either meant that the four-year veteran had proven himself and, like many roster locks, was held out of action. Or, it meant Shanahan was unimpressed with Barkley and his roster fate was sealed. The translation of Shanahan's comment came via a transaction Friday as the 49ers released Barkley and 16 other players in their first wave of roster cuts. They need to part with 18 more players by 1 p.m. Saturday to reach the 53-man roster limit. Barkley's release officially made rookie third-round pick C.J.