Niners inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite is never supposed to be a starter, but it just keeps happening.
In 2014, Wilhoite started 16 games because NaVorro Bowman missed the season with a knee injury.
In 2015, Wilhoite started 12 games because Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired in the offseason.
In 2016, he’s started the past two games, partly because injuries to Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong landed them on injured reserve.
He is the quintessential Next Man Up and his ability to be available explains why he’s the answer to a question that would stump the most passionate diehard.