Patrick

Willis

The NFL credits Bowman with 30 tackles, good for fourth in the league, while Willis is tied for 31st with 22 tackles. Either way, Bowman has exceeded expectations as Takeo Spikes’ replacement. The 49ers have their inside linebacker duo for years to come. Bowman has been a key cog in fantasy’s No. 1 defense through three weeks.

After participating in stretching drills, Willis was able to join teammates for a limited practice. CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco expects Willis to be a game-time decision for Saturday at Seattle.

Willis was admittedly rusty and uncharacteristically struggled to get off blocks, but the key was getting through the game healthy. Now he’ll have two weeks to prepare for the Niners’ playoff opener. Willis recorded a career-low 97 tackles in 13 games this season.

Willis pulled his right hamstring in the first quarter against the Rams and did not return. He may have come back in had the game been the least bit competitive, but San Francisco spanked St. Louis 26-zip. Larry Grant replaced Willis on Sunday and finished with six tackles, two for a loss, plus one sack.

Fourth-year vet Larry Grant took over for Willis on Sunday and had six tackles and a sack. Willis will not need any surgery, but rather rest instead. Coach Jim Harbaugh hadn’t seen the results of an MRI when he spoke on Monday, but all signs point to Willis returning in Week 15 against the Steelers.

Official word will come later this afternoon, but Willis won’t be playing against the Steelers on Monday Night Football. The Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows believes Willis’ status for Week 16 is now in doubt.

Larry Grant will get another start after racking up 11 tackles and a pass breakup in last week’s loss to the Cardinals. “I don’t look at it as resting him. He’s rehabbing,” said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in regard to Willis’ recovery. “So when he’s healthy, he’ll be playing.”

Willis remained down for several minutes before gingerly walking off the field, though he was able to do so under mostly his own power. He was moving around without too much of a hitch on the sideline, but is almost certainly done for the day. The linchpin of the 49ers’ dominant defense should initially be considered questionable for Week 14.

Willis said he’s “trying to be smart” and will heed the instructions of the 49ers’ medical staff. Willis hasn’t played since Week 12, but the Niners are 2-1 in his absence. They face a hot Seahawks team on the road in Week 16.

All signs point to Willis returning next week after a Monday MRI revealed no serious damage to his right hamstring. Larry Grant will start at inside linebacker alongside Navorro Bowman. The 49ers other inactives: QB Scott Tolzien, WR Brett Swain, FB Moran Norris, OG Daniel Kilgore, OG Mike Person, NT Ian Williams