Willis (toe) will announce his retirement Tuesday, the 49ers' official website reports. Willis dealt with a chronic toe issue for the past few years, finally having season-ending surgery in November. His rehab presumably isn't going as hoped for, and it may be the case that Willis' toe will never be the same. It's unfortunate that such a tremendous player will be forced into retirement, but Willis at least made the most of his eight NFL seasons. He earned five First-Team All-Pro selections, including four in a row from 2009 to 2012. While the Hall of Fame process tends to overvalue longevity relative to peak performance, Willis is still a strong candidate to be enshrined in Canton. The 49ers have a number of issues, but they should actually be in pretty good shape at inside linebacker, with both NaVorro Bowman (knee) and Chris Borland (ankle) expected to be healthy for 2015.

Willis is reportedly strongly considering retirement, csnbayarea.com reports. Per the report, the 49ers, who are are also poised to lose running back Frank Gore to the Eagles, are now also bracing for the possible retirement of both Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith. The 30-year-old Willis is coming off a 2014 season in which a toe injury that required surgery limited him to just six games and 34 tackles.

Willis (toe) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The move officially spells the end of the season for Willis, who will needs surgery to repair a strained muscle in his left big toe. Willis hurt the toe in Week 6 but indicated Tuesday that it's something that has bothered him for several seasons. He was hoping it would be better in a matter of weeks, but with the injury not progressing as expected, the door is open for rookie Chris Borland to continue serving as the starting left inside linebacker for San Francisco.

Willis will likely need season-ending surgery on his injured toe, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1 reports. The 49ers figure to confirm the report soon, but it appears Willis will miss the rest of the season with the toe injury he suffered in Week 6. The 49ers will miss Willis' presence on the field, but with Chris Borland tallying 35 tackles the last two weeks and NaVorro Bowman (knee) returning soon, they do have replacements available.

Willis (toe) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints. While officially listed as questionable coming into the game, it was widely believed that Willis would sit out after being unable to practice at all this week. With Willis sidelined, Chris Borland will get the start next to Michael Wilhoite.

Willis (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans. Although he's listed as questionable, it's generally believed that Willis will sit this one out after missing all of this week's practices. If Willis does sit, Chris Borland is expected to step in next to Michael Wilhoite.

Willis (toe) is trending toward doubtful availability for Sunday's game at New Orleans, after another missed practice Thursday, CSN Bay Area reports. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said as much prior to drills, when he relayed, "It's questionable. As the week rolls on, if he doesn't start practicing at some point then it starts moving to doubtful." Willis's ledger includes back-to-back absences from practice, leading to the belief that a third consecutive DNP is imminent. If he fails to suit up, Chris Borland is ready and willing to cover inside linebacker in Willis' place.

Willis (toe) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, the 49ers' official site reports. Willis has sandwiched two DNPs around San Francisco's Week 8 bye, and if he fails to practice in any capacity by week's end, another absence could come to pass. If he sits out Sunday at New Orleans, rookie Chris Borland would earn another start at inside linebacker.

Willis (toe) is listed as inactive Sunday versus the Rams. Willis was limited in practice all week, but one DNP and the 49ers' bye week weren't enough to result in active status in Week 9. His absence allows rookie Chris Borland to earn another start at inside linebacker.

Willis (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against St. Louis. Willis practiced in a limited capacity all week, but he evidently isn't quite ready to call himself 100 percent healthy. He'll therefore head into the weekend questionable, so his IDP owners will want to have a replacement option within reach for the 4:05 eastern time wave of games Sunday.