There's a lot of news today around the 49ers, beginning with the team's decision to place linebacker Jeff Ulbrich on injured reserve because of his concussion problems.
Ulbrich, a popular player in the locker room who maximized his potential throughout his 10-year career, will remain with the club through the end of the season. He is ineligible to play for the remainder of the season, and this likely spells the end of Ulbrich's NFL career.
Ulbrich accepted a pay reduction from $2.23 million to $950,000 this season to return to play the final year of his contract on special teams. He sustained a severe concussion while covering a kickoff against the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 4
The 49ers signed former Chargers inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm to take his spot on the roster. Wilhelm will serve as a backup at inside linebacker. He also can play on special teams. Wilhelm (6-4, 245) has played in 71 career games with 21 starts after being a fourth-round pick of the Chargers in 2003. He played under current 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
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Coach Mike Singletary said safety Michael Lewis is expected to return to action this season. Lewis has sustained three concussions since mid-August, but Lewis' concussions symptoms have not been nearly as severe as Ulbrich's.
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Offensive lineman Adam Snyder will continue to split time, but it won't be at right tackle. Snyder has been moved to right guard, where he and Chilo Rachal will share playing time for the near future, Singletary said.
Veteran Tony Pashos will take over as the full-time right tackle, where he had been splitting time with Snyder the past four games.
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Much love to Jeff Ulbrich for being such a good 49er! I'm glad he stuck around, and has been a positive influence on the younger players. He was a true warrior!
Bummed to hear Ulbrich was placed on IR. He has been a solid special teams player, back up MLB and gave every play 100%. I will be proud to have him on the 49ers 10 year wall and the end of this season.
MM, I have a question. What is up with Tony Wragge not getting a chance at RG? Wragge is listed as the back up on the depth chart. Are Snyders injuries holding him back from the starting job at RT or is Pashos outplaying him. Chilo needs to step it up.
Whatever is going to help the 49ers win I am with. There is a big away game coming up this week that is looking like an early must win.
MM - What is the practice schedule like this week? Are they on the field for extra work today/tomorrow? Will today/tomorrow be like a Wednesday of a normal game week?
I wish Jeff a long healthy life, if this is indeed it. 10 years in “The Show”, not to shabby. I’m glad to see these head injuries starting to be taken seriously, with players and coaches being taken out of the decision making process as to whether or a player is able to continue. These are health issues and not toughness issues. While not always foolproof, someone has to be the adult in these situations and doctors seem to do better job than player and coaches.
Sorry to see him go,but he is remaining with the team through the year ,so they at least will still have his leadership there . This was going to be his last year anyway. Better to have his leadership with the team but not expose him to any further harm,so he can be whole for his family for the rest of his life.
We saw this coming last week when it was reported that on his way to practice he couldn't remember how to get to the practice facility in Santa Clara,even though he had been practicing there daily for most of the last decade.
Question: What is the practice schedule like this week? Are they on the field for extra work today/tomorrow? Will today/tomorrow be like a Wednesday of a normal game week?
My response: Light work today -- just a walk-through.Then, it's a regular week. They'll be off on Tuesday and install the game plan on Wednesday. --Matt M.
A Wragge/Baas rotation might not be bad either. Hopefully this is an issue that can be rectified in the off-season. I love the direction they are going in. The Dolphins are an example of what it looks like done right and even there it is not always pretty. Funky O-line play? A healthy Frank Gore is a great deodorant.
Sucks for Ulbrich and the fans. I hope he can do another year or get right into coaching with the organization. He seems like a great guy to have about.
Wilhelm is a solid pickup. Nice job.
You have to feel a lot of compassion for Ulbrich. he did whatever was asked and was an effective leader. Not the best way to end a career he certainly played with honor.
Matt: Do you plan to interview him soon? How is he handling it? It would be nice to hear his reflections.
Ulbrich has been a good soldier for this team. A true 49er....
Matt: why is Joe Staley at Left Guard. isn't his natural position at Right Guard (in college)?
Matt,
Do you think there is any chance the Niners trade for Derrick Johnson to help out at ILB?
Hi Matt, Jeff Ulbrich is the consummate pro. I'm happy he made it to the ten year mark and is enshrined at the headquarters. He did whatever was good for the team. I know the Browns say they wouldn't trade Josh Cribbs but can a second round draft pick change their minds?
Major bummer about Jeff. Great guy and he's stuck around through some tough years. I was glad to hear MS say that he's going to be around and might even travel with the team in a semi-coaching position. That's showing some love for the 49ers. Good luck in whatever you do, Jeff. Thanks for the great 10 years.
Ulbrich with the noughties 9ers was akin to Gary Plummer with the nineties 9ers. *respect*
Unfortunate that Jeff Ulbrich's year, perhaps his career, has been stopped by injury. A courageous player, Jeff's selfless acceptance of a salary reduction, so that he could participate in this team's "turn-around" season, exemplifies a quality teammate. Sorry he could not end the season on his own terms; glad he played, solely, for the San Francisco 49ers.
Thank you, Jeff. Your pride showed in the way you played the game.