Patrick Willis out for rest of season
— -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis will miss the remainder of the season and needs surgery for his strained left big toe.
The team placed him on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday and filled his roster spot by signing running back Alfonso Smith to a one-year contract.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Willis has missed the past three games for San Francisco (5-4) after injuring the toe in the third quarter at St. Louis on Oct. 13. He had 34 tackles and an interception this season for the Niners, who have reached the NFC Championship Game in each of the past three seasons.
has filled in for Willis and been spectacular, recording 18 tackles in a loss to the Rams two weeks ago, then 17 more tackles in an overtime win at New Orleans on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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