SANTA CLARA -- Linebacker Patrick Willis, who has missed three games with a right hamstring strain, will not sit out the season finale just to ensure he's ready for the playoffs, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Thursday."This is a game that we have to win," Fangio said. "If he's healthy enough to play, he'll play."Willis went through limited practice Wednesday, as he works his way back into playing shape. The day before the 49ers' game Saturday against Seattle, Willis did some resistance work on a blocking sled. He is running full speed."He looks fine to me right now," Fangio said.Willis has not played since the first quarter of the 49ers' Dec. 4 game against the St. Louis Rams. Larry Grant has taken his place in the lineup and has 18 solo tackles in three games.
If the club decides to sit Willis out of Sunday's return game at St. Louis, Willis will have gone five or six weeks without playing when the 49ers open the playoffs.The 49ers (12-3) need a victory Sunday over the Rams to ensure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs and a first-round playoff bye.
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