by Scott Ostler , The San Francisco Chronicle

Rookie Scott McKillop comes in for one series, then gives way to Wilhelm, who contributes two tackles and three assists.

Wilhelm wasn't famous even in San Diego, where he spent his first six NFL seasons as a part-time starting linebacker and mostly a special-teams player. The 49ers picked him up four games ago to help fill the void when Jeff Ulbrich retired. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky coached at San Diego and knew Wilhelm's work.

"I realize my role is on special teams, and to understand the game plan and be one play away" from being a scrimmage player, Wilhelm said.

The Chargers cut him this year and he was home in Ohio, working out, when the 49ers called.

Manusky "knew I'm fairly smart and can pick up a game plan quickly," said Wilhelm, who played at Ohio State and grew up in Ohio as a Bears fan.

On Thursday he was smashing in a walk-on role.

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