Patrick Willis is in no rush to return from his injured right hamstring, a rehabilitation plan he calls "being smart."
Based on their 11-3 record and proximity to clinching a first-round bye, as well as the play of replacement Larry Grant on the league's top scoring defense, the 49ers can afford it.
The 49ers have been quiet about the progress of Willis, who told the team's official website he hasn't had any setbacks but still has no timetable for a return.
"Honestly, these last couple of weeks, I've done everything the trainers have asked me to do. We're just taking it one day at a time and being smart," Willis said Tuesday. "Each day my whole mindset is to get better, no setbacks. We've certainly done that and we're just going to continue to work."
Willis has missed the last two games and hasn't practiced since the injury in Week 13. But when he does return, Willis promises he'll be 100 percent.
"When they pull the chains off, I'll come back just as strong as when I left, if not better," he said.
