San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly met with the media today and one of the topics of discussion was the progress of ILB NaVorro Bowman. The All-Pro linebacker suffered a torn Achilles during an October 2nd game against the Dallas Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve four days later.
Bowman has been seen at practices walking with a noticeable limp, but without a boot on his foot. The reporter that asked about Bowman said that he does not have a vast medical background, but that it looked encouraging. "I think you're 100 percent right," Kelly said.
Kelly was asked what part was correct? "That you don't have a vast medical background and that it is encouraging that he's moving around the way he is," he jokingly answered. "From reports, he's doing a really good job in rehab. It's good to see him around here. He can now travel with us. He's been on the sideline with us. I think he's helped just kind of get another set of eyes here. But it's good to see him up, moving around. Those guys say he's attacking rehab and are excited about the direction that he's headed in."
Kelly said that Bowman was with the team on the sideline during their overtime loss to the Jets this past Sunday, but they have not discussed whether or not he will make the trip with them to Atlanta to play the Falcons.
Through the first four games of the season, Bowman had 35 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two passes defended. Last season, he was in on 1,126 defensive snaps. 627 of those were against the pass while 499 were against the run. During that time, Bowman compiled 154 tackles – which led the league – 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended.