Wilhoite collected seven tackles (four solo) picked off his first pass of the season in Sunday's win over the Giants. Lost in all of the buzz surrounding rookie teammate Chris Borland, Wilhoite continues to put up solid tackle numbers for the 49ers this year. NaVorro Bowman (knee) is returning to practice this week, but there have been reports that he may not suit up this season after tearing his ACL in the NFC Championship game last season. If he were to remain sidelined, then Wilhoite would continue to start alongside Borland and provide a handful of tackles.

Wilhoite recorded seven tackles (all solo) in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. The seven tackles were a season-high, and Wilhoite now has 33 combined tackles through seven games. Outside of the tackles, Wilhoite hasn't provided much value anywhere else. NaVorro Bowman (knee) is eligible to return, but will still need weeks of recovery before being ready to take the field, so Wilhoite should continue to be a solid source of tackles for the time being.

Wilhoite led San Francisco with six tackles (five solo) Sunday. He also forced a fumble in the 23-14 loss to the Cardinals. Wilhoite can not replicate the stats that NaVorro Bowman (knee) normally produces, but he has filled in admirably with 14 tackles and Sunday's forced fumble. He is definitely worth a look in IDP leagues until Bowman returns to the field.

Wilhoite appears to have won the battle for the starting middle linebacker position heading into week 1, CSN Bay Area reports. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise as coach Harbaugh had been leaning towards the veteran over rookie Chris Borland. Wilhoite averaged 10 tackles in the two games he started last year, so he could be a cheap source of stops in IDP leagues.

Wilhoite continues to work with the first-team defense during training camp and expects to start alongside Patrick Willis this season, the Sacramento Bee reports. NaVorro Bowman (leg) is expected to miss a chunk of the 2014 season, opening the door for Wilhoite to get significant playing time. In two starts last season, Wilhoite recorded 20 combined tackles, making him an intriguing IDP option in drafts this year.

Former UDFA LB Michael Wilhoite played with the first team during OTAs. Wilhoite seems to be the front-runner to replace the injured NaVorro Bowman, but he will have to hold off rookie LB Chris Borland and second-year LB Nick Moody for the job. No matter who starts, the 49ers will likely use a rotation until Bowman returns. Bowman is expected to start the season on the PUP list but should return by mid-season.

49ers promoted LB Michael Wilhoite from their practice squad. Undrafted out of Washburn, Wilhoite may get a look on special teams if he makes it up on game days. By using the roster spot on Wilhoite instead of a kicker, it's a sign that David Akers (pelvis) is healthy enough to play on Sunday.