NaVorro Bowman approves of a new rule bearing his name.
During last season's NFC Championship Game, the San Francisco 49ers linebacker clearly recovered a fumble against the Seahawks -- but officials ruled that Seattle had recovered the ball, and the play was unreviewable at the time. Owners approved a rule last week that will allow referees to utilize instant replay on the recovery of a loose ball, colloquially known as the "NaVorro Bowman Rule."
Unfortunately, Bowman also suffered a gruesome knee injury on the same play. The linebacker told reporters Tuesday that he's glad the rule was changed, but he's focusing on his rehab, not the past.
"That doesn't fix my knee," Bowman said of the rule change, per the San Jose Mercury News. "But (the wrong call) won't happen anymore."
Bowman said he is ahead of schedule in his rehab and thankful that he will be able to return at some point.
"It feels great," Bowman said of his knee. "It's early, but I'm doing well. I came back and saw (people in) the organization and they're excited to see how far I am. So, I'll keep working hard and see where I end up."
Coach Jim Harbaugh previously has said it's unlikely Bowman will be back for the 49ers' Week 1 game. The linebacker could find himself on the physically unable to perform list to start the 2014 season -- similar to the route taken by wide receiver Michael Crabtree before his return last year.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" the guys do the news, open the mailbag and play "Win Wess' Toaster."