For a fervent competitor like NaVorro Bowman, it should come as no surprise that the three-time All-Pro has high expectations for himself.
So even though he has looked strong throughout training camp, Bowman still doesn't consider himself back to full strength.
"Not yet," Bowman told reporters after practice on Thursday. "But I'm satisfied with how much work I've put in, how far I've come, how fast I'm able to recover and cover guys. But there are still hurdles that I need to cross. I'm just going to keep working until I get there. But it's looking up for me."
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers open up their preseason schedule with a road contest against the Houston Texans. If Bowman plays, it would mark his first game action since undergoing knee surgery in February of 2014.
At this point, Bowman's status for Saturday is still to be determined. Jim Tomsula has routinely expressed his desire to keep all veterans, not just Bowman, fresh for the regular season.
"We've talked, but we haven't really decided yet," Bowman said. "I'm doing everything out there; we just want to be safe and smart. Just feeling it out ... but I feel good, I'm practicing with the guys. The main thing is to be ready for the Vikings on Monday night."
Whenever the linebacker does make his return, he said he wants to stay in the game long enough to get into a rhythm.
"I don't want to go out there for just two and three plays. I want to really get out there and do something," Bowman said. "I've hit the hurdles in practice, but of course games are different. I'm pushing myself, but I'll get out there when I'm ready and when I feel like it's time to go."
