The San Francisco 49ers fear that linebacker NaVorro Bowman has ACL and MCL damage to his left knee, according to NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk.
A preliminary assessment of Bowman’s knee after Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC title game suspected an ACL injury, coach Jim Harbaugh said.
An MRI had not been conducted as of Pro Football Talk’s report.
Bowman was injured midway through the fourth quarter after stripping Seahawks running back Jermaine Kearse of the ball near the goal line. Bowman appeared to have possession of the ball as he fell to the turf with Kearse on his leg, but the Seahawks were given back the ball at the San Francisco 1-yard line.
A mild to moderate MCL injury can heal without surgery. A more serious injury could cause Bowman to miss at least part of the 2014 season.
Bowman had 14 tackles, one for loss, and one sack before getting hurt.