San Francisco 49ers on NaVorro Bowman: Return later than sooner

If you had to pinpoint some of the San Francisco 49ers’ struggles this season, you probably wouldn’t put much blame on the defense, especially the linebackers who again have proven to be among the best in the NFL.

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That’s of course without All-Pro NaVorro Bowman who remains out of action after suffering a horrific torn ACL and MCL during the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks last January. There was premature hope that NaVorro Bowman would be able to get back on the field when he eligible to come off the reserve/PUP list which will be next week, though that isn’t going to be the case.

In fact, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says Bowman’s return is likely ‘later than sooner’.

“Oh, I think at some point he will play,” Fangio said on KNBR radio’s Murph & Mac show. “But right now it’s still later than sooner. His procedure was done in February. It’s not like he got hurt in the middle of the season last year.”

Not only are the San Francisco 49ers without NaVorro Bowman but they’re also missing Pro Bowl defensive end Aldon Smith who is currently in the midst of an NFL suspension due to off field issues.

Despite missing both the San Francisco 49ers still rank second in the league in yards allowed and Bowman’s replacement, Michael Wilhoite, has played well in his absence. Still, you have to think the 49ers are chomping at the bit to have one of their defensive leaders back on the field.

Fangio suggests Bowman will need a few weeks of practice to get acclimated to football again so we’re looking towards the second half of the season before we see NaVorro Bowman back on the field.

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