Willis: It was a legal hit

SANTA CLARA — When Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck turned upfield on his quest to get into the end zone just before the end of the first half, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis' only goal was to keep him out.

“I just know that it wasn't an illegal hit,” Willis said of his punishing blow to Hasselbeck's ribs that knocked him out of the game. “I knew that he was hurting a little bit. I don't know what his (situation) is now, but I hope that he's OK.”

Seahawks coach Jim Mora said X-rays were negative. Hasselbeck was scheduled to fly back to Seattle with his teammates. Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace played the entire second half in the 49ers' 23-10 victory at Candlestick Park.

“It was a great effort by Matt, trying to get into the end zone,” Mora said. “You'd love to see that but you hate to see the results.”

Hasselbeck missed nine games last season with a back injury. Willis said he was not surprised to see the quarterback clawing for the end zone.

“He's all for helping his team, and at the end of the day, you're going to do what you can to help your team win,” Willis said.

NORRIS GETS INVOLVED

Niners fullback Moran Norris had some good blocks that helped spring Frank Gore on his two touchdown runs. But he also got into the act with the ball in his hands. Norris, a nine-year veteran, had a career-long 15-yard run. He also caught three passes for 17 yards.

“It felt good to be involved in the offense,” Norris said. “(Offensive coordinator) Jimmy Raye calls the plays, and I just try to go out there and execute. We had the plays in, and he dialed them up, so it worked out for the best.”

GOLDSON'S PICK

Third-year player Dashon Goldson was elevated into the starting lineup in the offseason for his playmaking ability. He was promoted to replace Mark Roman, who had gone more than two full seasons without an interception at free safety.

Goldson recorded his first career interception Sunday after hauling in a pass Nate Clements deflected.

“I was going for the hit until I saw the ball tipped,” Goldson said.

EXTRA POINTS

Injury report: RB Frank Gore (right ankle sprain), RB Glen Coffee (right hip pointer), LB Marques Harris (right toe contusion) and G David Baas (right ankle sprain) reported injuries that are not expected to keep them out of any action. Gore underwent X-rays and said his ankle felt fine.

Right tackle Tony Pashos worked into the game for a couple series in place of starter Adam Snyder. Pashos surrendered a sack during his brief stint.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com