San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis has been diagnosed with a sprained toe after undergoing an MRI on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
Patrick Willis has sprained toe, seeks second opinion
Already without NaVorro Bowman, the 49ers hope Willis hears good news from A.J. Green’s doctor.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
49ers LB Patrick Willis has sprained toe; he's getting a second opinion from the same doctor who is treating A.J. Green's toe.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 14, 2014 One more note on 49ers LB Patrick Willis: It's currently unlikely he plays this week vs. Broncos, per league source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 14, 2014 Willis injured the toe on Monday Night Football against the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco's 31-17 triumph and had an X-ray, although those results are unknown. The injury took place in the second quarter and Willis didn't return to action.
Willis has missed only six games in his eight-year career, but might see that number increase after being seen on the sideline during the second half wearing an orthopedic boot. Should he be out for any length of time, rookie Chris Borland will step in as his replacement. So far this season, Borland has racked up seven tackles. Willis has been the focal point of the 49ers' defense throughout his career, marked with seven trips to the Pro Bowl and six All-Pro designations.
The 49ers have been crushed by injuries on defense this season. Starting cornerback Tramaine Brock went down in Week 1 with turf toe, an injury expected to keep him out until Week 9, when the 49ers return from their bye. Nose tackle Glenn Dorsey sustained a biceps injury in the preseason, which finished his campaign.
NaVorro Bowman is still working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in the NFC Championship Game in January, and it's unclear when he will return. Aldon Smith is also out for three more games, serving the remainder of his nine-game suspension.
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