NFL injury roundup: Niners lose LB Willis
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis was inactive against the Indianapolis Colts, missing a matchup with his brother, cornerback Vontae Davis.
The 49ers started the game without one of their top offensive players, and then lost All-Pro inside linebacker Patrick Willis (groin) in the second half Sunday. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was also injured.
"I don't know the severity of that (Willis) injury," said safety Donte Whitner. "Hopefully it's not severe. I don't know the severity of Nnamdi's injury either, but those are two guys that we need. If not, guys will be ready to step in there and play football, but there's no time for excuses. It's all good when you're winning football games two years in a row, but a little adversity here and we'll see what we're made of."
The 49ers play at St. Louis Thursday night.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner (hamstring) was active for the first time this season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) was also active, but quarterback Blaine Gabbert (lacerated hand) was idle as expected.
Miami Dolphins pass rusher Cameron Wake (knee) went to the locker room in the first quarter and didn't play in the second half. Wake said Sunday night he was frustrated to be on the sideline but felt he would be fine this week.
Running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) of the New York Jets was hurt in the second half against the Buffalo Bills, who had running back C.J. Spiller go down with a knee injury in the third quarter and defensive tackle Marcel Dareus leave the game. Defensive ends Mario Williams and Alex Carrington, who had his left knee immobilized in the postgame locker room, were unable to finish the game for the Bills.
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (leg) attempted to play through an injury but was pulled in the third quarter. Johnson was cleared to play this week after recovering from a concussion.
Running back James Starks (knee) left in the third quarter at Cincinnati with 14 carries for 55 yards, but the Packers' fourth option -- rookie Johnathan Franklin -- brought new life to the offense. With rookie Eddie Lacy (concussion), fullback John Kuhn (groin) and tailback DuJuan Harris (knee) out, Franklin showed elusiveness and made plays running outside and as a receiver, including a 51-yard run on a toss-sweep.
The Packers played most of the second half without Starks, tight end Jermichael Finley (concussion) and outside linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring).
Detroit Lions defensive end Jason Jones was carted off the field in Washington with a left knee injury. Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (bruised right quad) left the game in the fourth quarter after hauling in five passes for 50 yards.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin had two receptions for 22 yards when he went down with a hamstring injury.
Cornerback Chris Cook, the Minnesota Vikings' top cornerback, left Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns with a groin injury. Cornerback A.J. Jefferson (leg) and safety Jamarca Sanford (hamstring) were also hurt in the loss to the Browns. Cleveland was without kicker Billy Cundiff (quad) in the second half.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dan Williams did not play Sunday. His father was killed in a car accident.
Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson left the game in the first half with a finger injury, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander was carted off with a right foot injury and linebacker Sam Acho injured an ankle.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse hurt his ankle in the first half and did not return. Seattle defensive tackle Red Bryant left the field with 8:00 left in the third quarter because of a back problem.
