49ers sign Michael Wilhoite to 53-man roster

Earlier this morning, agent David Canter shot out a tweet stating that the 49ers had signed LB/FB Michael Wilhoite from the practice squad to join their 53-man roster. The 49ers have reportedly since confirmed this. The 49ers had an open spot after placing Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter on injured reserve and adding Jewel Hampton from the non-football injury list.

The decision to wait on the final roster spot allowed the 49ers an opportunity to wait and see if David Akers pelvis injury would be a bigger issue. According to Matt Maiocco, Akers was seen kicking a 50-yard field goal in practice, and has apparently been cleared to play on Sunday. The 49ers likely would have waited until Saturday to sign a kicker if that had been an issue.

MM views this as a sign one of the rookies (A.J. Jenkins, LaMichael James) is less likely to get snaps. Wilhoite would has worked at linebacker and fullback and would seem to be a likely candidate for special teams work. Although special teams is the area where youngsters are most likely to get their work in, most of us are obviously more interested in whether we see them in the receiving or rushing game. I do think we see some LaMichael James because of the dynamic he brings in space, but I'm not so sure about A.J. Jenkins. The 49ers still have a lot of options in the passing game, even without Kyle Williams. I wouldn't be surprised if Jenkins was still inactive, but I would be rather shocked if LaMichael James was inactive.

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