San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman was expected to make his return to the field Saturday against the Houston Texans (8 p.m. ET) after missing the entire 2014 season because of a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, but it turns out he'll be watching his team's preseason opener from the sidelines.
Ninety minutes before kickoff, the 49ers announced Bowman would sit for Saturday's game, along with tight end Vernon Davis and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett.
Bowman's absence comes as a bit of a surprise after 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula told reporters earlier in the week that he expected the linebacker to suit up.