Finally, the 49ers have gotten some decent news concerning the immediate future at linebacker.
According to new head coach Jim Tomsula, NaVorro Bowman, the two-time Pro Bowler, will be ready to roll for the team's first minicamp at the end of April.
The 26-year-old missed all of last season rehabbing a gruesome ACL and MCL injury.
After losing both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland in a matter of weeks, the deepest linebacking unit in football deflated in dramatic fashion.
Having Bowman anywhere near full strength will most certainly be an upgrade, though we'll have a much better idea of what he can accomplish over the next few weeks.
There's always a chance Bowman sits out certain drills. Participation is loosely defined this time of year.
This is the time of year when a coaching staff can finally get their hands on a player and ask in-depth medical questions. They can watch a player doing movement drills and eyeball him in the weight room.
Bowman was activated as an emergency option toward the end of last season, though there was no possible way he was making it to the field. The way he hurt himself during the 2013 NFC Championship game left few people optimistic.
Now, the 49ers have no choice but to hope their hard-hitting star can make a recovery.
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