The Rams will have to face Patrick Willis after all. Willis, injured in the first quarter of a Week 13 game against St. Louis, is active and will start today's game. The team's five-time pro bowl linebacker had missed the three previous games with the injury.
The news is not nearly as good for the 49ers at receiver. Ted Ginn (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) both are inactive. That means that Brett Swain will make his second NFL start, his first for the 49ers. It also means that newcomer Joe Hastings, promoted from the practice squad Saturday, promises to see a lot of action as well. In an emergency, the 49ers also could turn to rookie safety Colin Jones, who went through a handful of training camp practices as a wide receiver.
Without Ginn and Williams, the 49ers' return men likely will be safety Reggie Smith on punt returns and running back Kendall Hunter or cornerback Chris Culliver on kickoffs.
Yikes. We need this win....
