NEW ORLEANS -- As expected, the San Francisco 49ers' second-ranked total defense will be without two starting linebackers for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, as Patrick Willis and Dan Skuta are among the Niners’ seven inactive players.

The five others: QB Josh Johnson, WR Quinton Patton, CB Leon McFadden, S L.J. McCray and G/C Dillon Farrell.

It will be the third straight missed game for Willis, who injured the big toe on his left foot at St. Louis Oct. 13. He will be replaced again in the starting lineup by rookie Chris Borland.

Skuta, meanwhile, injured his ankle last week against the Rams. He has been starting in place of Aldon Smith, whose nine-game suspension ends Sunday as he will begin practicing this week and is scheduled to make his season debut at the New York Giants next weekend. ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder reported Smith’s suspension was not reduced, as widely speculated, because he had not fulfilled his counseling obligations.

Adam Schefter, meanwhile, reported that Smith would actually pay to play this season due to fines.

Rookie Aaron Lynch will start in place of Skuta.