Patrick Willis is on the shelf, if only temporarily.
The San Francisco 49ers linebacker will be sidelined at least two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his injured right hand, ESPN's Mike Sando reported Monday. Willis is expected to be ready in time for the start of the regular season.
Willis injured his hand during practice last Wednesday. Though 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh hasn't confirmed the nature of the injury, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported last Thursday that Willis was feared to have sustained a slight break in his right hand.
Hand issues aren't new to Willis. The six-time All-Pro has suffered breaks to his right hand both in 2007 and 2010. He played through each setback.
He'd probably do the same here if the timing were different. But given the clock is in the 49ers' favor, Willis is addressing the problem.
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