San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was knocked out of Sunday's win over the Rams with a hamstring strain, but the hope is that it is not too serious. Willis will have an MRI on Monday and see how he responds in the next few days. Willis injured his hamstring on a first quarter tackle attempt on Rams fullback Brit Miller. He was unable to stop the big man and went down to his knees. He was helped off the field following the play, but apparently appeared OK when he was walking out of the locker room after the game.
Backup linebacker Larry Grant filled in for Willis and finished with six tackles and a sack in some inspired play. If Willis has to sit for any stretch of time, Grant would handle the Mike linebacker role. The 49ers clinched the division with their win over St. Louis, but still have hopes of securing a first round bye in the coming weeks. They will want to get Willis back, but with the division secured, they will likely take a conservative approach to the injuries.
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