49ers place Jeff Ulbrich on IR; sign LB Matt Wilhelm
It looks like LB Jeff Ulbrich's post-concussion issues were a bit too much bear at this point. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve and signed free agent LB Matt Wilhelm. I don't have a scouting report at this point on Wilhelm, other than to say he'll be playing inside linebacker, but in reality, probably mostly on special teams.
Wilhelm (6-4, 245) has seen action in 71 games (21 starts) since being drafted in the fourth round (112th pick overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers out of Ohio State. He spent six seasons with the Chargers (2003-08), totaling 247 tackles, six interceptions, two sacks, 13 passes defensed and 41 special teams stops. Wilhelm spent training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, before being released prior to the season. He is a native of Oberlin, Ohio.
The big issue this raises is one of special teams. Ulbrich was a stalwart on special teams and will definitely be missed the rest of the season. If this marks the end of Ulbrich's career, it is a sad day. While he was never the most talented player on the field, he's definitely busted his butt his entire career, lasting ten years as a San Francisco 49er. Let's hope for the best for Jeff, whether he plays again or not.
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Comments
You know I beat you to this
I posted the Fanshot first
:p
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 19, 2009 11:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was before both of you
I got the texting history with Schefter to prove it!
by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you didn't post it on here did you?
I didn’t see it on the nuggets…
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he can return...
…Jeff has always been one of my favorite players on the 49ers. I remember in Madden I used to make sure he was starting and I’d make him have monster years for reasons I never really understood. He’s a terrific special teams player and actually was above average when he was the team’s starting TED linebacker. He has a ton of passion for the game and I legitimately feel down right now.
by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Adam Snyder
Also, I just moved an Adam Snyder FanShot to the front page. I can’t bump it ahead of this post so it’s right below. Head on over to discuss the fact that Tony Pashos is now the starting RT and Snyder will rotate at RG with Rachal.
by Fooch on Oct 19, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes!
My first post that makes it to the front page.
Awesome!
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 19, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much respect and appreciation to Ulbrich
For all he’s done and for being a guy that bridged the Mooch thru Sing years. He’s been a part of a playoff loss in GB, the great comback playoff win vs NY, the fall to a two win team that couldn’t stop anyone, a four win team that couldn’t score, and now a rebuilding of the franchise.
Whatever long-term decision he makes will likely not be easy but his team play, from earning his job as starting LB to ST standout is appreciated.
Welcome to the team Wilhelm. You’ve got big shoes to fill on the coverage units.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 12:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Definitely big shoes to fill.
Ulbrich was one of the two players on the 49ers special teams unit who demanded a double team on (this figure is educated, but still from thin air) 80% of returns and coverage.
by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent observation
Much like a dominant D-lineman, the ability to take up two opens it up for other guys and allows the entire unit to excel.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those wondering..
The other players I’ve seen get double teams (assigned double teams, in that the unit gameplanned for them) are HB Michael Robinson and WR Jason Hill. Maybe CB Marcus Hudson, but the regulars were Ulbrich and Robinson.
by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff will be missed but it looks like it well be for his own good.
Matt Wilhelm
Although is a 6 year vet coming into this year he only played 15 games his first two years so he brings some good experience but low millage. He has 10 punt deflections so he will likely play ST as a way into the lineup..
Good luck Jeff and welcome Matt.
by WC-Ninerhead on Oct 19, 2009 12:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Ulbrich took a pay cut to stay with this team ...
… and that should not be forgotten. Good luck Jeff witrh your recovery.
"This could be another Very Special Team" ... Superbowl winning Niners lineman Dan Audick ...
by LondonNiner on Oct 19, 2009 1:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeff will be on site assisting in any way he can
So although we will mis Jeff on the field, he will still be making a contribution for the rest of the year.
by WC-Ninerhead on Oct 19, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best of luck Jeff
You have nothing else to prove to 49ers fans.
by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brick -
I’ve always liked and respected you and I hope that whatever you choose, whether it’s returning next year or retirement, that you have success. Rock on crazy goatee man!
by foosball4949 on Oct 19, 2009 3:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wilhelm
had a huge year in 2007 with Chargers! 14 games, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 120 total tackles.
Hopefully its a good sign and in addition to special teams he helps our depth at LB since he can play inside or outside.
by fortyniners on Oct 19, 2009 4:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This guy needs to get on that wall. Also don’t forget a 2 time Matt Hazeltine Award winner for the Niners in 2004 and 2007.
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 19, 2009 6:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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