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SANTA CLARA – All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, who went through rehab work on a side field as his teammates warmed up, eventually was paced through a limited practice, the 49ers reported Thursday to the NFL.
Earlier Thursday, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he believed there was a “better than 50-50 chance” Willis will play Sunday night against the Houston Texans. Willis missed last week’s game against the St. Louis Rams due to a groin strain.
[RELATED: Willis -- It's a wait-and-see game]
Right tackle Anthony Davis, who did not practice Wednesday, returned to limited practice on Thursday.
[MAIOCCO: Fangio -- QBs should be fined for big hits on WRs, too]
Here’s a look at the participation reports for both teams:
49ers Practice Report
Thursday
Out (definitely will not play)
WR Quinton Patton (foot)
Limited Participation in Practice
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (knee), T Anthony Davis (shoulder), TE Vernon Davis (hamstring), DT Ray McDonald (ankle, ankle), RB Bruce Miller (quadricep), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), DT Justin Smith (shoulder), LB Patrick Willis (groin)
Full Participation in Practice
TE Demarcus Dobbs (calf), G Mike Iupati (shoulder), T Joe Staley (hamstring, ankle), WR Kyle Williams (knee)
[RELATED: Justin Smith wary of ankle-biting blockers]
Texans Practice Report
Thursday
Did not practice
G Brandon Brooks (toe), LB Tim Dobbins (hamstring), LB Darryl Sharpton (foot, hip)
Limited Participation in Practice
LB Bryan Braman (hamstring, shoulder), T Duane Brown (toe), LB Brian Cushing (concussion), TE Owen Daniels (knee), WR Andre Johnson (shin), RB Greg Jones (foot, groin), S Ed Reed (hip, abdomen), G Wade Smith (knee), DE J.J. Watt (groin, nose)
Full Participation in Practice
RB Arian Foster (thumb, back), TE Garrett Graham (hip, groin), CB Johnathan Joseph (not injury related), CB Brice McCain (knee), C Chris Myers (biceps), T Derek Newton (knee), S Eddie Pleasant (hamstring), WR DeVier Posey (achilles), RB Ben Tate (shoulder)
