NaVorro Bowman Won't Play in 49ers' Preseason Opener vs. Texans

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman was expected to make his return to the field Saturday against the Houston Texans (8 p.m. ET) after missing the entire 2014 season because of a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, but it turns out he'll be watching his team's preseason opener from the sidelines. 

Ninety minutes before kickoff, the 49ers announced Bowman would sit for Saturday's game, along with tight end Vernon Davis and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. 

Bowman's absence comes as a bit of a surprise after 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula told reporters earlier in the week that he expected the linebacker to suit up. 

"Right now, yes," Tomsula said on Wednesday, according to 49ers.com's Tyler Emerick. "I always want to reserve the right if he’s a little sore. But as of today, yes."

However, Bowman tempered expectations regarding his return to action on Friday, per CSNBayArea.com's Matt Maiocco: 

"

I’ve kind of hit the hurdles out here in practice. But, of course, games are different. I’ve been pushing myself. I’ll get out there when I’m ready and when I feel that it’s time to go. I don’t want to just go out there for two or three plays. I want to really get out there and do something. So I’ll decide what game that is and go from there.

"

At this point, it's just a matter of time before Bowman takes the field. And given recent events, the 49ers will be thrilled when that day comes.

Since the linebacking corps has undergone a major overhaul due to the retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, San Francisco will call upon a healthy Bowman to set the tone for the defense throughout the 2015 season.