As Willis' backup, Grant proves he knows ‘jack'

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers don't need Larry Grant to be a jack of all trades on Sunday in the likely event All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis does not play against the Arizona Cardinals.The 49ers just need Grant to fill-in at the spot that Willis plays -- the "jack" linebacker -- and maybe wear the green dot, as well. This season, the weak inside linebacker position is "jack," and the strong inside position is "mike."
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he has yet to decide whether Grant or "mike" linebacker NaVorro Bowman would wear the helmet with the radio transmitter. The player with the green dot on the helmet is counted upon to relay the defensive play from the sideline to the huddle.Grant had two different helmets available to him Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. When Willis left the game in the first quarter with a right hamstring strain, Grant wore the helmet with the transmitter to assume the duty that Willis has held with the team this season.
Grant recorded five tackles and a sack in the 49ers' 26-0 victory over the Rams."Sometimes you have to deal with the loss of a player," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "It didn't seem like it affected them very much even though I know how outstanding of a player Patrick Willis is."Cornerback Carlos Rogers said he will return to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a sore left knee. Rogers said there was some bruising, but he rested as a precaution. He said he is unsure how the knee got banged up Sunday against the Rams. His availability for Sunday's game against the Cardinals does not appear to be in question.