SANTA CLARA -- Linebacker NaVorro Bowman’s season is not officially over, yet.
The 49ers on Tuesday activated Bowman to the 53-man roster on the final day that they could make the move and keep him eligible to play this season, a source told CSNBayArea.com. He spent the first 13 games of the season on physically unable to perform.
The 49ers later announced tight end Vance McDonald was placed on season-ending injured reserve with an undisclosed back injury that kept him out of action the past three games.
Although Bowman was eligible to practice for the past three weeks, he did not step on the field with his teammates. He continued to take part in rehabilitation and did not experience any setbacks.
The 49ers will likely name Bowman among the team’s seven inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers have three regular-season games remaining. There is still no assurance Bowman will play in a game this season.
Bowman sustained a severe left knee injury, consisting of tears to his ACL and MCL, in the NFC Championship game against the Seahawks. He underwent surgery on Feb. 4.
