SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers promoted linebacker Michael Wilhoite from the practice squad to their 53-man roster on Friday, according to agent David Canter.Canter, who represents Wilhoite, tweeted the news Friday morning:Congratulations to TeamDEC client @michaelwilhoite for being activated to the @49ers game day roster David Canter (@davidcanter) November 30, 2012The 49ers placed wide receiver Kyle Williams and running back Kendall Hunter on injured reserve this week, opening two roster spots. The 49ers activated undrafted rookie running back Jewel Hampton off the non-football injury list earlier in the week.
On Friday, the 49ers added Wilhoite, who turns 26 next week, because of his potential contributions on special teams. Wilhoite (6-foot, 240 pounds) originally was signed to the 49ers' practice squad last December after he played for the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.He started 35 games and was a three-year captain at Washburn University, an NCAA Division II school in Topeka, Kan. He had two redshirt seasons in college -- one due to an injury -- and exclusively played safety. He was converted to linebacker while with the Nighthawks.Wilhoite, who also saw action at fullback during the offseason and exhibition season, was among the 49ers' final cuts of training camp. He was immediately signed to the team's practice squad.
The 49ers worked out veteran kickers Nate Kaeding and Billy Cundiff earlier this season after David Akers missed two field goals on Sunday and experienced an unspecified injury to his pelvis. But Akers was seen kicking a 50-yard field goal in practice earlier this week, and has been cleared to play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.