New 49ers Coach Will Need a Healthy Bowman

Standout inside linebacker is working hard (again) in rehab to come back strong for 2017 season

By now, it’s a familiar story for the 49ers: NaVorro Bowman is fighting back from an injury and vowing to return as good as ever.

And no matter who the new general manager and head coach will be for the Niners in 2017, Bowman’s comeback will be a key ingredient toward improvement.

Bowman, the former All-Pro inside linebacker who worked hard to come back after missing all of the 2014 season, was lost just four games into the 2016 season with a torn Achilles’ tendon, a devastating blow for a defense that desperately needed playmakers.

As Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com noted this week, Bowman’s absence was significant. The 49ers defense set franchise records for futility this past season, giving up the most points (480), yards (6,502) and rushing yards (2,654) ever. But, with Bowman in the lineup, the 49er were better.

With Bowman, the 49ers gave up 390 yards per game, 5.65 yards per play, 140.5 rushing yards per game, 4.32 yards per carry and 26.8 points per game, reported Wagoner. Without him, the defense gave up 411.8 yards per game, 5.98 yards per play, 174.3 rushing yards per game, 5 yards per carry and 31.1 points per game.

Plus, Bowman is the leader of the defense and a respected presence. His knowledge and leadership skills couldn’t be replaced. After starting all 16 games in 2015, his absence on the field left a void.

Now, he says he’s on track in his comeback efforts, telling reporters he’s running in the pool and working out.

“It’s looking good, man,” said Bowman. Bowman said this season was “tough for me to watch,” but was proud of the effort his teammates gave, even in a disappointing season.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted that former head coach Chip Kelly said last month that Bowman was ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation work, and that he’s been walking “without a boot or noticeable limp” for weeks.

It’s not known if Bowman will participate in offseason practices, but that seems doubtful. There’s no reason to risk any setbacks during the offseason program.

Bowman says he’s “not yet full speed,” but is optimistic of a complete comeback.

Bowman has been with the 49ers since 2010, but is still just 28. The 49ers last year made a long-term commitment to him, giving him a contract extension through 2022.

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