Patrick Willis ruled OUT for Pro Bowl

Willis to miss Pro Bowl with minor knee injury

Swelling on Patrick Willis' right knee will prevent the 49ers middle linebacker from taking part in Sunday's Pro Bowl. He will be replaced in the NFC's starting lineup by Carolina's Jon Beason. According to a team spokesman, Willis has a bursitis on the knee -- inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone.

Willis is believed to have been injured during Pro Bowl practice this week but it is not considered a serious issue. "If this was the regular season, he'd be good to go," the spokesman said. One of the team's trainers, Nate Breske, is in Miami tending to Willis, who will watch Sunday's game from the sideline. This is Willis' third Pro Bowl in as many seasons. Four other 49ers, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Andy Lee and Justin Smith will take part in the game.

-- Matt Barrows

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