Willis set for MRI, injury not believed serious

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Linebacker Patrick Willis is scheduled to undergo an MRI examination Monday on his right hamstring after exiting Sunday's game in the first quarter.Even without Willis, the 49ers rolled to a 26-0 victory over the St. Louis Rams to clinch the organization's first NFC West title since 2002.Willis sustained a strain low on his right hamstring while missing a first-quarter tackle on Rams fullback Brit Miller. The injury is not believed to be serious, but Willis told CSN Bay Area's Mindi Bach that he would undergo an MRI. He walked out of the 49ers' locker room Sunday evening without any difficulty.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said the 49ers would monitor Willis' condition over the next couple days.Veteran Larry Grant, a fourth-year player who started eight games with the Rams last season, played well in Willis' absence. Grant recorded six tackles, a sack and had two tackles for losses."It was an injury to Pat, but the good thing is it wasn't as bad as it could've been," Grant said. "We'll have Pat back, and we're going to be excited for that."The 49ers held the Rams to just 157 total yards. Running back Steven Jackson managed just 19 yards rushing on 10 attempts."Especially with a guy like Pat, that's a big loss for the team," Grant said. "He's the heart and soul of our defense and our whole team. He's the guy everybody looks at to make the plays to get us there."I study as if I'm a starter every week. I was able to go in and pick up the slack."The 49ers appeared to make it through the game without any other significant injuries. Cornerback Tarell Brown sustained a right ankle sprain but returned to action for the next series.

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