Following the surprising retirements of inside linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers understand the importance of a healthy NaVorro Bowman to their 2015 plans.
The three-time All Pro missed the entire 2014 season after shredding his knee in the previous season's NFC Championship game.
"We're very confident in where he's at with his recovery," general manager Trent Baalke told CSN Bay Area at the NFL Annual Meeting last week.
"He's really starting to feel like it's coming back to where he wants it," Baalke added, via The Press Democrat. "And that's always the most important thing. ... I think he's at a real good place right now."
It's been roughly 15 months since Bowman sustained the injury. Although it's not unusual for players to return from ACL injuries within six to eight months, Bowman suffered more extensive ligament damage, with a torn MCL as well.
Prior to the injury, Bowman was Around The NFL's choice for 2013 Defensive Player of the Year as one of the league's surest tacklers and fastest inside linebackers.
Baalke insists Bowman did not suffer any setbacks last season.
We'll keep tabs on Bowman's progress in offseason workouts and training camp.
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