49ers' NaVorro Bowman to take part in offseason workout program

Coming off a 2014 season lost to a knee injury, San Francisco 49ers star linebacker NaVorro Bowman appears to be making some progress in his recovery.

Speaking with reporters at the team facility Friday, new head coach Jim Tomsula said Bowman will take part in the 49ers' offseason workout program.

Though Bowman likely still has work to do before being cleared for any sort of on-field contact drills, rejoining his teammates for offseason work is certainly an important step in the right direction.

The 27-year-old has proven himself to be one of the NFL's best linebackers over the course of his five-year career thus far, and the 49ers are depending on his healthy return after the recent retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland.

Bowman started every game at inside linebacker from 2011-2013, recording no fewer than 143 tackles in any one season and helping the 49ers field a consistently dominant defense overall.