49ers place Jeff Ulbrich on IR; sign LB Matt Wilhelm

by David Fucillo on Oct 19, 2009 11:49 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

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 SportsChicken on Oct 19, 2009 11:56 AM PDT reply actions

I was before both of you

I got the texting history with Schefter to prove it!

by James Brady on Oct 19, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

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 SportsChicken on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Nope!

I was just messing with you, bro.

by James Brady on Oct 19, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks

Always forget to double check. Of course, the FanShot doesn’t generate google hits, so upside to mine (that and not having to link to anything).

by David Fucillo on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

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 James Brady on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM PDT reply actions

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 David Fucillo on Oct 19, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions

Yes!

My first post that makes it to the front page.
Awesome!

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

by SportsChicken on Oct 19, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL

And Fooch benefits from the Google.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

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

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 James Brady on Oct 19, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

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

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 James Brady on Oct 19, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

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