SANTA CLARA -- NaVorro Bowman was carted into the locker room after suffering a lower leg injury in the third quarter.
The 49ers linebacker, who led the NFL in tackles a year ago, was on the ground for several minutes after the injury occurred, then limped slowly to the sideline with assistance from trainers. A cart was then called to transport Bowman into the stadium. Soon after the 49ers announced he would not return.
Bowman started the game alongside Michael Wilhoite, not Gerald Hodges, who started the first three games. When Bowman left, Nick Bellore took over his spot at “Mike” linebacker.