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 |
The First Fifteen: Week 12
Previewing the three terrific Turkey Day games; the crucial Giants-Saints Monday-nighter; Matt Leinart's first start for the Texans; and much more.
Monday practice report for Thanksgiving Day games
Here is the Monday practice report for the three Thanksgiving Day games. showing to what degree injured players participated in their teams' practices.
49ers move closer to clinching with win over Cards
Alex Smith threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, and the 49ers forced five turnovers to blow past the Cardinals 23-7 on a soggy Sunday at Candlestick Park.
Rookie FB Miller has been a revelation for Niners
When it comes to feel-good stories in the NFL this season, few can compare to Niners seventh-round rookie FB Bruce Miller.
49ers hang on, top Giants 27-20
49ers DE Justin Smith batted down Eli Manning's pass in the waning seconds of the New York quarterback's comeback try, stopping the Giants for a 27-20 victory Sunday in a matchup of NFC division leaders.
PFW's midseason team reports
An undefeated defending champion, precocious rookie players and coaches, a record number of big comeback wins and the 49ers, Lions and Bills in the playoff hunt mark a surprising first half.
The First Fifteen: Week 10
We take an early look at a huge AFC North tussle, another big one in the NFC South and all the rest of the best action in Week 10.
Week 10 power rankings
Is there anyone on the planet who predicted at the start of the season that the 49ers would be No. 2 in our power rankings at any time this season?
Niners legit Super Bowl contenders
Stocked with homegrown talent, the surprising 49ers may be headed for an NFC title-game showdown with the Packers, writes Hub Arkush.
Six in a row for Gore, 49ers
RB Frank Gore had 107 yards on 19 carries for his fifth straight 100-yard game, helping the 49ers to a 19-11 win over the Redskins, their sixth consecutive victory.
York deserves major credit for Niners' success
Daily team observers of the Niners believe team president Jed York deserves more credit than he has received for the Niners' tremendous turnaround so far this season.
Maybe offseason wasn't such a big loss
Despite concerns that the abbreviated offseason would hurt rookie coaches, Jim Harbaugh and company haven't missed a beat, writes Hub Arkush.
Shorts and Shells: Week Eight
Even on bye, the Packers are the envy of teams at the other end of the standings, who are eyeing Pack staffers like Reggie McKenzie. Also, Bill Belichick's questionable coaching move, and more from Week Eight.
Gore, 49ers too much for Browns
Frank Gore ran for both 125-plus yards and a touchdown in a fourth straight game as the 49ers beat the Browns 20-10.
49ers WR Crabtree dazzles as blocker
On a team of excellent blockers, WR Michael Crabtree is the 49ers' best, says one team observer in this week's NFC Whispers.
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.
