SANTA CLARA – The 49ers on Thursday enjoyed a sight they hadn't experienced since Dec. 3: Patrick Willis, in his uniform and helmet, taking part in practice.
The 49ers' star inside linebacker was listed as "limited" on the team's practice participation report, which means there is a possibility he could play in Saturday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Willis, who did not take part in Wednesday's session, has been in street clothes for the 49ers' recent games against Arizona and Pittsburgh after injuring his hamstring against the St. Louis Rams on Dec. 4.
The 49ers will have to weigh the importance of having their defensive centerpiece for an important game against the risk of his aggravating the injury on a Seattle field that could be slick from rain Saturday.
Willis' substitute, Larry Grant, has played well in relief. Grant broke up four passes in Monday night's win over the Steelers.
No Ginn – Ted Ginn missed his second practice this week with a sprained ankle, increasing the likelihood that the hero of the 49ers' Week 1 victory over the Seahawks won't be available for Saturday's Round 2.
On Sept. 11, the 49ers roared to 16-0 halftime lead, but Seattle closed to within 19-17 in the fourth quarter. Ginn, however, put the game out of reach with touchdowns on a 102-yard kickoff return and a 55-yard punt return.
Kyle Williams said Thursday the plan is for him to handle punt returns and kickoffs if Ginn can't play. Asked if that would curtail his snaps at wide receiver, Williams said it shouldn't.
"Ted's been doing it all year," Williams said. "So there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to fill in for these guys on special teams."
Injuries – Special-teams standout Blake Costanzo (personal matter) did not practice; wide receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) and fullback Bruce Miller (knee) were limited.
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