INDIANAPOLIS -- San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh swatted down questions Thursday like J.J. Watt knocks down passes. He was so effective that his news conference ended four minutes early, a true rarity at the NFL Scouting Combine.
But the great thing about this setting is that you sometimes get to see a coach in a more natural setting after he gets off the podium. Harbaugh happily gobbled up any question asked in the hallway after his official session, almost seeming to enjoy the back-and-forth dialogue with reporters. He had some interesting words on linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who tore his ACL and MCL in the NFC Championship Game.
On Bowman's potential return: "Realistically, halfway through the season, something like that would be more realistic," Harbaugh said. "But I never underestimate NaVorro Bowman."
Harbaugh said a lot of people have commented that they were inspired by Bowman and the way the linebacker hung on to the ball during his season-ending injury. The coach's brother-in-law, Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean, showed footage to his team.
Harbaugh also revealed that defensive tackle Tank Carradine underwent another surgery on his knee.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Packers and Raiders.
