The 49ers' second-ranked defense that has missed a number of key players will have to finish the season without seven-time Pro Bowl anchor Patrick Willis. Willis' toe that prevented him from playing in the last three-plus games will require season-ending surgery. San Francisco placed Willis on injured reserve Tuesday. After suffering the injury in the second quarter of Oct. 13's game in St. Louis, Willis told the media he expected to return following the team's bye week. But he was unable to play in the loss 42-17 loss to the Broncos, and then practiced sparingly leading up to the team's 13-10 loss to St. Louis. He was a game-time decision and worked out on the field at Levi's Stadium before the game. http://sfo.scout.com/story/1479366-willis-done-for-season-with-toe-injury
