San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis - #52 - LB
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 240 lbs. |
| Birthday | 01/25/1985 |
| Birthplace | Bruceton, TN |
| College | Mississippi |
| Years played | 7 |
| Drafted | 2007, 1st round, 11th pick by 49ers |
2012 STATS
| Tack | FF | Int |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 2 | 2 |
Steelers OLB Harrison suspended one game for hit
The NFL has suspended Steelers OLB James Harrison for one game for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns QB Colt McCoy in last Thursday night's game.
Cards shock 49ers with backup QB
John Skelton stepped in for the injured Kevin Kolb and threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, and the Cardinals rallied to hand the 49ers their third loss of the season.
Niners trust in Grant to adequately replace Willis
At least initially, we hear Larry Grant is considered a very adequate fill-in for the injured Patrick Willis, as evidenced by his strong effort in the Week 13 shutout of the Rams.
49ers give OT Boone four-year extension
The 49ers announced they signed reserve OT Alex Boone to a four-year extension on Thursday. Boone has played in 12 games this season.
Niners looking like solid No. 2 seed in NFC
Even though their next three games promise to be a lot more challenging than the lowly Rams, the Niners are shaping up as one of the league's worthiest playoff contenders.
49ers destroy Rams, clinch NFC West
Frank Gore helped run the 49ers right into the postseason, gaining 73 yards and becoming the team's career rushing leader in a 26-0 win over the Rams that clinched the NFC West.
Niners have glaring need for decent No. 2 WR
Although Michael Crabtree has done a good job as the Niners' No. 1 wideout, the team hasn't had much success at the No. 2 WR spot.
Reduced practice time hurt Niners' O-line
Team insiders refuse to get down on a Niners offensive line that couldn't have looked more down and out against the Ravens in Baltimore.
Ravens beat 49ers 16-6 in duel of Harbaughs
Terrell Suggs had three of Baltimore's nine sacks of Alex Smith as the Ravens beat the Niners 16-6 Thursday night in the first NFL game featuring brothers as opposing head coaches.
Live Thanksgiving Day fantasy notes
Fantasy notes for the three Thanksgiving Day games, updated live throughout the day.
Tuesday practice report for Thanksgiving Day games
Here is the Tuesday practice report for the three Thanksgiving Day games. showing to what degree injured players participated in their teams' practices.
Jack and Jackie Harbaugh proud of coaching sons
Jack and Jackie Harbaugh are excited to see their sons coach against each other on Thanksgiving night, but they don't plan to watch the game at the stadium.
Playoff scenarios for Week 12
Here are the NFL playoff scenarios for Week 12, which involve Green Bay and San Francisco.
GoldSmiths: 49ers benefitting from play of three players named Smith
San Francisco's hot start is due in large part to the play of Justin, Alex and Aldon Smith.
PLAYER NEWS
Willis and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. are inactive for San Francisco, while Seattle's leading receiver, rookie Doug Baldwin, is playing despite a sore ankle.|||||||
Willis missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury.
Willis said Wednesday that the latest crackdown on dangerous and flagrant hits will make it difficult for him and other players to do what they do best.|||||||
Willis already is having a tough enough time this season without having to worry about increased restrictions. The linebacker, who has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, is off to the slowest start of his four-year career. "I thought as a defensive guy you're supposed to hit," Willis said. "You shouldn't get in trouble or fined or get a flag for just playing football."
Willis and the Niners agreed to a five-year contract extension Tuesday that takes him through the 2016 season.|||||||
This is another big offseason splash by new San Francisco personnel chief Trent Baalke, who took charge after general manager Scot McCloughan's abrupt departure in March. Locking up Willis for the long haul makes sure the 49ers keep their defensive leader after they bolstered their offense in the draft with two top linemen.
Willis has undergone surgery on his right knee to remove an inflamed fluid sac that kept him out of this year's Pro Bowl.|||||||
The 49ers said the surgery, considered minor and done about a week ago, was performed by Dr. Tim McAdams and Dr. Gary Fanton at Stanford Hospitals and Clinics in nearby Redwood City. The team will not put a timetable on Willis' return, but he isn't expected to be sidelined for long. The team will adjust his offseason conditioning and regimen as he rehabilitates.
Willis was back Monday after missing 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles injury.|||||||
Willis only participated in individual drills as the team's trainers ease him in slowly. The All-Pro linebacker suffered the injury to his right leg during a drill.
