NaVorro Bowman expected to return for 49ers in Week 9

By Patrick Schmidt | Jul 21, 2014

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) is carted off the field during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

For the second straight season the San Francisco 49ers will begin the season without one of their premier players as NaVorro Bowman will begin the season on the sidelines just like Michael Crabtree did a season ago.

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Bowman, 25, sustained a torn ACL in the NFC Championship Game loss to division rival and eventual Super Bowl Champion, Seattle Seahawks and is expected to be out for half the season.

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the “smart money” is on Bowman returning from his the ACL injury after the team’s bye in Week 8.

In his absence, Barrows writes that Michael Wilhoite will begin training camp as the starter next to Patrick Willis after playing in 21 games since he entered the league in 2011 and has more experience than the rest of his competitors for the spot.

Third round pick Chris Borland will be the main competitor to take the job from Wilhoite after a stellar career with the Wisconsin Badgers and could steal that starting job away from him with a strong preseason.

Shayne Skov and Nick Moody round out the competition to fill bowman’s shoes until his anticipated return in Week 9 when the 49ers host the St. Louis Rams. If Bowman returns that week, he will have missed two division games but will have both games against the Seahawks remaining on the schedule.

The combination of Bowman and Patrick Willis gives the 49ers the best tandem of inside linebackers in the NFL and his absence will loom large for the 49ers defense that Jim Harbaugh said this offseason will be a top five unit this season.

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