San Francisco 49ers: Should NaVorro Bowman play in preseason?

The San Francisco 49ers have seen a flurry of veterans depart in the offseason, making it critical for them to keep the ones they’ve retained healthy. One of those much higher on the list than the rest is NaVorro Bowman, the 27-year-old linebacker that spent last season on the sidelines after a brutal knee injury in the NFC Championship Game.

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Based on the seriousness of the injury and what’s been said heading into the team’s first preseason game, it would be wise to let Bowman rest until opening night.

At first, it looked like Bowman could make his return against the Houston Texans on Saturday night. Jim Tomsula was fairly confident in the linebacker’s availability when talking to the media on Tuesday. Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com reports that it’s been a steady improvement for Bowman and had a successful practice before Tomsula’s positive statements.

"The three-time All-Pro still wears a brace on his surgically-repaired knee, but he has looked more than comfortable throughout training camp. In Tuesday’s practice, Bowman recorded an interception during team drills."

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Despite no setbacks for the veteran during practice, Tomsula’s tone changed just a few days later. It’s already expected that veterans won’t log much time in the first preseason game, but the head coach made it sound that it would just be for a few plays.

That’s exactly what Bowman doesn’t want to do after Thursday’s practice, according to Jimmy Durkin of the San Jose Mercury News. It also sounds like the linebacker has the decision on what game he’ll appear in.

"Bowman’s take: “I don’t want to just go out there for two or three plays. I want to get out there and do something. I’ll decide which game that is and go from there.”"

Bowman expressed that the most important date was September 14th — opening night against the Minnesota Vikings. The team would rather save him for meaningful games, which makes a lot of sense.

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates his first quarter interception against the Arizons Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the exit of Patrick Willis, Bowman is not only the star at linebacker, but he’s the captain that will deliver the plays to the rest of the defense. Getting injured, regardless of the severity, is simply not worth it in four pointless games.

Bowman has already been a three-time Pro Bowler, appeared in all 64 regular season games and eight postseason matchups in his first four seasons with the team, and was a great compliment to Willis.

The last time Bowman stepped on the field, the 49ers were on the verge of a second straight Super Bowl appearance and in their third straight NFC Championship Game.

If San Francisco wants to even sniff the postseason this year, Bowman has to deliver another Pro Bowl caliber season with the added burden of being a defensive leader. He has to step in for a position that’s been vastly downgraded. Getting his feet wet in practice is more than enough to prepare him for the season.

Considering Tomsula’s desire to give the veterans a break after a huge hit in depth and Bowman’s mindset on the Vikings, it’d be a surprise to see him on the field this Saturday or suiting up for any game in August. That would certainly be the smartest move.

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