Willis did not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Broncos. Coach Jim Harbaugh continues to hold Willis out to ensure he's fully healthy for the regular season, although it should be noted that the thumb injury he sustained at the end of last season is no longer an issue.

Willis did not participate in Thursday's preseason opener. There is no injury to report here, coach Jim Harbaugh simply decided to give his stud linebacker the day off. He is completely over the thumb injury he sustained at the end of the 2013 season.

Patrick Willis (thumb surgery) has been a full participant in 49ers OTAs. Willis went under the knife shortly after the 49ers' NFC Championship Game loss. Willis was named to his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl in 2013, but was left off the All-Pro squad. Willis turned 29 in January.

Patrick Willis recently underwent surgery on his left thumb and is in a cast. What was exactly wrong with Willis' thumb is unknown; he wasn't on the injury report ahead of the NFC Championship game. It's possible he suffered the injury in Seattle. Either way, Willis should be ready for minicamp in June.

Patrick Willis (groin) is active for Week 6 against the Cardinals. Willis was listed as questionable on the injury report but was expected to play all along after missing the past two games. DT Ray McDonald (arm) is also active.

The San Francisco Chronicle expects Patrick Willis (groin) to play in Week 6 against the Cardinals. He's officially listed as questionable. Willis was limited again in Friday's practice, but is on track to return after missing the last two games. DT Ray McDonald (questionable, biceps) is also expected to play this week.

49ers DC Vic Fangio believes the chances of ILB Patrick Willis (questionable, groin) playing in Week 5 against the Texans are "better than 50-50." Willis' availability won't be formally decided until 90 minutes before Sunday night's kickoff, but he's trending in the right direction. He practiced on Friday and looks in track to start, sending Michael Wilhoite back to the bench.

49ers ILB Patrick Willis (groin) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the Texans. "We'll see," coach Jim Harbaugh said when asked whether Willis will play on Sunday Night Football. The coach just seems to be playing coy. Willis practiced on Friday and has had a ten-day layoff following last Thursday night's win. It would be surprising were Willis not active against the Texans.

49ers ILB Patrick Willis (groin) is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Texans. Willis got in a limited practice Wednesday. He admitted he's still sore and fighting through the pain of the pull he sustained on Sept. 22. Backup Michael Wilhoite had seven tackles in last week's thrashing of the Rams.

49ers ILB Patrick Willis (groin) is inactive for Thursday night's Week 4 game against the Rams. Willis didn't practice all week and was ruled out after going through pre-game warmups. The rest of the 49ers inactives are CB Nnamdi Asomugha, WR Marlon Moore, QB B.J. Daniels, WR Chris Harper, FB Owen Marecic, and OG Joe Looney. LaMichael James and Jon Baldwin are both officially active for the first time this season.