49ers ILB Patrick Willis (right hamstring) is expected to miss practice time this week, and "probably" Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Fourth-year vet Larry Grant took over for Willis on Sunday and had six tackles and a sack. Willis will not need any surgery, but rather rest instead. Coach Jim Harbaugh hadn't seen the results of an MRI when he spoke on Monday, but all signs point to Willis returning in Week 15 against the Steelers.

49ers ILB Patrick Willis will have a Monday MRI, but the team is optimistic that his hamstring injury is not severe. Willis pulled his right hamstring in the first quarter against the Rams and did not return. He may have come back in had the game been the least bit competitive, but San Francisco spanked St. Louis 26-zip. Larry Grant replaced Willis on Sunday and finished with six tackles, two for a loss, plus one sack.

49ers ILB Patrick Willis believes that be benefited from the lockout because the lack of offseason practice time allowed his body to heal fully. "I've never really had a summer off since I started playing football, and I can feel the difference in my body," said Willis. "I can see that I really needed this." Willis hasn't just taken the offseason off, though. He's working out 2-3 times per day and "pumping iron late at night." Willis will again be among the frontrunners to lead the NFL in tackles this season.