Patrick Willis injury: 49ers linebacker not wearing cast in practice, should play Sunday

The San Francisco 49ers are wrapping up their Wednesday practice, and things are looking good for linebacker Patrick Willis to play this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Jim Harbaugh told the media he thinks Willis will be able to play, and Patrick Willis told the media that he is doing good and healing well. He said the doctors told him it takes up to eight week to full heal, but it sounds like he thinks he'll play.

There were some questions as to whether he would need to wear a cast or something else to protect the hand on Sunday. Willis wasn't able to confirm anything specific, but Mindi Bach took this picture

The assembled media indicated Willis was wearing a glove, but no cast, and was catching some softly thrown passes. This is certainly a good indication for Sunday. Additionally, the fact that the 49ers made him available to the media is a good indication. In the past, when they have had a player scheduled and that player was "working through something", the 49ers would usually cancel that availability. In this case, there was no cancellation.

At this point, I would be surprised if he does not play. Willis was asked about how it might impact him in the game, and he was quick to state that it did not matter, and that he could not allow it to impact his play. He emphasized that there can be no excuses. It's not surprising to hear him say that, but it's still cool.

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