San Francisco 49ers’ Patrick Willis injures groin, ruled out
San Francisco 49er’s All Pro linebacker Patrick Willis injured his groin in the second half of the Niners game against the Indianapolis Colts.
CSN Bay Area 49ers’ insider Matt Maiocco broke the news on Twitter.
Patrick Willis is walking gingerly. He's standing on the sideline. An equipment man is holding his helmet.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 22, 2013
Patrick Willis is out with a groin injury.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 22, 2013
Since the 49ers’ play again on Thursday Night Football, the groin injury to the leader of the defensive unit couldn’t have come at a worse time for the defending NFC West champions.
With quick turnaround on Thursday vs. Rams, it might be unrealistic to think Patrick Willis (groin) will be available for that game, too.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 22, 2013
San Francisco trails the Colts by a score of 13-7 with about 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter. A week after a devastating and crushing defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers needed this victory at Candlestick Park to get back on track.
San Francisco is already facing several injuries on defense — DT Ian Williams broke his ankle last week, safety Eric Reid is banged up after a concussion, DT Ray McDonald is nursing two ankle sprains, and the future of linebacker Aldon Smith is up-in-the-air after receiving his second DUI in 20 months on Friday.
With another divisional game against St. Louis coming up after a short practice week, missing Patrick Willis — the anchor of the defense — will not make it any easier. The Rams beat the 49ers 16-13 in overtime and tied them 24-24 last season. Stay tuned for updates on Willis.