49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee while trying to keep the Seahawks out of the end zone in the second half of the NFC Championship Game, injuries that will leave him with a lot of rehab before he’s ready to get back on the field for the 2014 season.
One big step of that rehab appears to be happening on Tuesday. Bowman shared a picture of himself in hospital garb on Instagram with the caption “Time for surgery,” which fits with the two-to-three week timeline that was needed for his MCL to heal enough for him to have surgery to repair the ACL tear.
Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that Bowman’s surgery is being performed by Dr. James Andrews (you didn’t really expect Dr. Nick Riviera, did you?) in Pensacola, Florida.
Based on recoveries we’ve seen in recent years, there would seem to be a chance that Bowman will be ready for the start of the regular season. Every recovery is different, though, and Bowman will have to avoid any setbacks between now and September to feel totally positive about that chance.