Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

John from California writes: Mike, since Bernard and Babs were suspended for the first game and not count against the 53 man roster, will they be able to practice with the team while serving their suspensions? Also, it seems there were 3 surprises when the Hawks trimmed their roster to 53. Forsett making the team, keeping both Babin and Atkins and the two Kickers, Coutu and Mare. What moves do you foresee the Hawks making when Bernard and Babs are eligible for the roster? Many thanks!

Mike Sando: Rocky Bernard and Jordan Babineaux are not eligible to practice with the team while suspended.

I certainly see the Seahawks releasing one of the kickers, perhaps even before the regular-season opener. It's hard to carry two kickers any time, let alone when you're dealing with so many injuries at receiver.

Next, let's rank Forsett, Atkins and Babin by how much attention each might command if released. It's fair to assume Atkins and Babin would have more value. Teams can find backup running backs. The 49ers just cut Thomas Clayton for that very reason. I would consider cutting one of the kickers and Forsett to make room for Bernard and Babineaux. I would then re-sign Forsett to the practice squad once he clears waivers.

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Matt from Elton, Pa., writes: Love the blog. Read it every day at least 3 times per day. I'm a huge Seahawk fan for basically my whole life (even while living in the middle of Steeler country my whole life). Just a quick question. First of all, I have NO problem with the NFL suspending Rocky for a game. He deserves it for what he did. My question is how in good conscience can the NFL suspend Rocky for what he did but not suspend Marshawn Lynch? Domestic Violence is a horrible thing and no one should have to go through that, but running over a woman and leaving the scene of the accident? Should be AT LEAST a game suspension.

Mike Sando: Thanks, Matt. I do not always immediately understand why some players are punished and other are not. My understanding is that Lynch avoided a criminal charge as part of a plea agreement. The conduct policy covers "any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons; the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; possession or distribution of a weapon in violation of state or federal law; involvement in "hate crimes" or crimes of domestic violence; theft, larceny or other property crimes; sex offenses; racketeering; money laundering; obstruction of justice; resisting arrest; fraud; and violent or threatening conduct."

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Pete from Richmond, Wash., writes: The Rocky Bernard suspension wasn't all that much of a surprise, but the one for Babs was...seems rather out of the blue. What happened and when? And in consideration of that, what's the word on Lofa getting a suspension? Is the issue with his DUI done or are we due for another *surprise*?

Mike Sando: I do not know the nature of Babineaux's alleged violation. I would not expect a suspension for Tatupu.

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Mrs. Magoo from Seattle writes: Hey Sandoman, sad to see our fellow Whitworth Alum, Michael Allan, got let go by KC. I am so bummed!!!! I secretly hope the Hawks pick him up on their practice squad, but that's just the homer in me talkin'!

Mike Sando: Hey, always nice to hear from another alumnus of mighty Whitworth College -- sorry, University. I took my kids to see a Whitworth game a couple seasons ago. Allan looked like an adult playing among third-graders.

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Eric from Lakewood, Wash., writes: Sando, What are you hear from Kirk ... er, Renton? Wasn't the deadline 3 p.m.? I Can they put Obomanu on the PUP for six weeks to free up a roster spot and not have him be gone for the year on IR? I know you're busy, but I can't wait to hear what happens. Thank you.

Mike Sando: Sorry for getting back to you after cuts were announced, but the question remains instructive. Players are ineligible for the PUP list once they pass physicals and practice.

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Guest 49er from the Bay Area writes: I feel the need to take you to the woodshed on the subject of Alex Smith. Mike Nolan drafted him, team signed him to a 5-year deal. You don't just cut a player like that in his 4th year. I don't want the 49ers to be in cap hell. You don't take a QB in Alex Smith and subject him to (like a Jim Mora Sr. rant on playoffs) 4 OCs, no Oline, no capable WRs that can catch a ball, shoulder injury/surgery, and the loss of a best friend and subject him to that kind of treatment. That's not how a team should behave to their QB. You don't take a man like Alex Smith and have NOlan, or you, or Damon Bruce subject him to humiliation. You don't give the man a fair chance to defend himself. Even Matt Maiocco is being unfair, and in my opinion like a Mora Sr. that just sucks and it's a disgrace to me the football fan that you can kick a man when he's down. Alex Smith should have sat out his first year. That's why Nolan should be fired for what he's done, and I'd send Martz packing too for he didn't want to work with Smith.

Mike Sando: I'm thinking you might have misunderstood me. I have never at any time called for the 49ers to release Alex Smith. I have repeatedly pointed out how the deck has been stacked against Smith. In fact, if you could devise a four-year plan for ruining a first-round quarterback, would you change anything about the course Smith has taken in his career thus far? I would not. He went to a team with a defensive head coach and a revolving door of offensive coordinators. That is a horrible combination for a quarterback, particularly when the head coach questions your toughness in the media through what he says and what he does not say.