For the first time in over 19 months, San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman will play in a real live football game when the team opens up its preseason against the Houston Texans on Saturday night.
Bowman, a former All-Pro performer, last suited up in the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks back in January of 2014. While stopping short of showing that gruesome injury, it's safe to say those in San Francisco are just happy to see him back on the field.
The sight is still fresh in the minds of football fans the world over. In an attempt to stop Marshawn Lynch late in the second half of the conference title bout, Bowman—forcing a "fumble" in the process—suffered both a torn ACL and a torn MCL.
Reports from 49ers camp have painted Bowman's performance in a positive light. He's going 100 percent during the summer, and has had his fair share of awe-inspiring plays. Remember, Bowman was potentially slated to return late last year before the 49ers' brass decided to shut him down. Now, 10 months removed from then, Bowman seems to be good to go.
This could be huge news for both the 49ers and all you IDP fantasy players out there. When healthy, Bowman is the best inside linebacker in the NFL. He will provide you with the combination sacks, tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions that other inside linebackers just don't have the capability of providing.
It's going to be important for us all to see how he looks during the preseason to gauge his potential impact when September comes calling.