49ers injury report: Patrick Willis, Dan Skuta sit out, Frank Gore limited

The San Francisco 49ers released their first practice participation report of the week, and we have some additions and departures from last week. The New Orleans Saints have not released their report yet, so I'll add that when it arrives. Fooch's update: The Saints have released their injury report. Added at the end.

Patrick Willis and Dan Skuta both sat out practices. Willis was limited through last week, so this is certainly not an improvement. We'll have to wait and see what happens the rest of the week, but my guess is we see another week of Chris Borland. It's safe to say that draft pick has proven especially fortuitous.

Skuta is dealing with an ankle injury, and we still don't know what his availability will be like on Sunday. He played through plantar fasciitis last season, which can be particularly painful. He would seem to have the pain tolerance, but we'll see what the next two days bring.

Frank Gore was limited with a hip injury. This past Sunday, there was one point where he was on the sideline with trainers looking him over. He returned not too long after, but this is likely connected to that. I suspect he'll be fine though, and get back to practice in limited fashion tomorrow.

Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward are officially off the injury report. They were full participants last week and active on Sunday, so they would seem to be good to go moving forward. The 49ers will need both of them at the top of their game on Sunday against Drew Brees and company.

49ers injury report

Saints injury report

STATUS DEFINITIONS:

BOLD-Indicates change in status

Out - player definitely will not play
Doubtful - at least 75% chance player will not play
Questionable - 50-50 chance player will not play
Probable - virtual certainty player will be available for normal duty