Slightly more than a year removed from a season-ending ankle injury, NaVorro Bowman showed signs of being fully recovered during the first few weeks of the season. However, over the last few games, he’s appeared fatigued while playing limited minutes against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Tim Ryan shared his thoughts about Bowman’s recovery and what he’s seen from the linebacker since returning from his gruesome injuries with Murph & Mac on Monday morning.
“I feel bad for Bow. We love that guy, we love what he is, we love his desire level and what he’s trying to get done. What he’s trying to get done is coming back from those two injuries and he’ll tell you he’s 100%, he told me that or something close to that in training camp,” Ryan said. “He looked good in preseason with his ability to burst and drive up on those routes underneath zone beaters that they throw in front of him.”
Dating back to Week 4 last year, Bowman’s season came to an end when he tore his Achilles. Bowman managed to recover in time to start Week 1, but seemed more affected than most by short rest when he faced the Los Angeles Rams four days later. Two weeks later against the Colts, Bowman was rotated out for Brock Coyle several times when he sustained a stringer in the first quarter agains, although he did make the most with what little time he played, recording five tackles and five assists.
“But now that it’s five game in and everybody is somewhat fatigued and trying to maintain, it seems like what explosion he did have from recovering from those injuries is not there anymore in terms of his legs,” Ryan said. “I feel bad for him because he sees it, puts his foot in the ground, he tries to drive up and make the tackle. I don’t know how many times I saw him stumble yesterday. As you’re driving towards the ball, your legs just don’t have the explosion and the pop and the leg strength.”
We still don’t know what Bowman’s status is for the team’s upcoming game in D.C. against the Redskins on Sunday. Yet, it is crucial for Bowman to take advantage of the time he receives on the field to prove himself ready for a full workload.
“I know he’s watching himself on tape. I know he’s got to be looking at himself in the mirror,” Ryan said. “I know he wants to get right. I just hope at some point because for him its not the neck up he’s got to respond physically. If you can’t respond physically, you better double down on the mental work and know what’s coming after you.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 5:30 for Ryan on the Bowman.
