San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite, who was just placed on the active roster Tuesday, immediately jumped back into the mix of things in his first practice and took the field with the first-team defense.
Wilhoite, who started 16 games last year, had been on the active/non-football injury list with what was described as a leg strain since training camp began on Aug. 1. He replaced Nick Moody inside, next to NaVorro Bowman.
“It’s nice to know they value me and look at me as a guy that can come in and play right away and make a difference,” Wilhoite said after Tuesday’s practice, per 49ers.com.
“I was just happy to be back there. It was fun to run. I’m slowly working my way back in.”
Wilhoite’s 87 tackles ranked second on the 49ers last season, behind rookie (and since-retired) linebacker Chris Borland’s 107 tackles. Wilhoite also had his first two career interceptions and forced fumble.
Also on the injury front, receiver Torrey Smith skipped team drills after working in individual drills due to knee soreness, per Scout.com. Defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey, who missed most of the past two weeks with a muscle strain, did the same while receiver Bruce Ellington (leg) had limited reps in his first practice since Week 1 of the preseason.
