NaVorro Bowman tweets that he is now sprinting

San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman tweeted out what would seem to be some encouraging news about his knee rehab.

Just finished my second day sprinting now icing this bad boy down #onestepcloser http://t.co/te4Qs1kho1 pic.twitter.com/S2fWmyb6pe

— Navorro Bowman (@NBowman53) September 11, 2014

Back in February, we got some early insight into Bowman's rehab process courtesy of videos provided by his girlfriend. She stopped publishing the videos, so it has been radio silent for the most part. This is the first significant insight into his status. Socalisteph put together some thoughts on what this means.

Bowman is about 8-mos post surgery. He's past most phases of rehab. His knee probably feels normal, but is not ready for sports stresses.

— So Cali Steph (@SoCaliSteph) September 11, 2014

At this juncture, Bowman is strengthening the knee and attempting to simulate football. It's a great sign.

— So Cali Steph (@SoCaliSteph) September 11, 2014

I think Bowman is on target. Although the knee is never "normal", he is working to regain strength and ROM to return to usual activities.

— So Cali Steph (@SoCaliSteph) September 11, 2014

It seems like mid-to-late November is a potential return target, although we don't know for certain. For now though, he is making some progress, which is all we can really ask for at this point.