Report: 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman (knee) may miss entire season

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman might not return this season after tearing his ACL and MCL during last season's NFC Championship Game. Bowman, 26, had an MRI done on the knee earlier this week, but the team still has not decided when, or if, he will return this season

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman might not return this season after tearing his ACL and MCL during last season's NFC Championship Game, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Bowman, 26, had an MRI done on the knee earlier this week, but the team still has not decided when, or if, he will return this season, ESPN's Ed Werder reports. Werder also reported that Bowman still feels pain in his knee.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said it is possible Bowman does not play this season.

"I think that's a possibility," Fangio said. "I don't know that that's been decided or been the verdict, but I'm sure it's a possibility."

• Report: Fred Jackson (groin) likely out for Bills

Bowman, a third-round pick in the 2010 draft, had 120 tackles, 5.0 sacks and two interceptions last season en route to making the All-Pro First Team for the third straight year.

San Francisco placed linebacker Patrick Willis on injured reserve with a toe injury on Tuesday.

With two key players out of the lineup, the 49ers will get linebacker Aldon Smith back from a nine-game suspension after he was reinstated earlier this week.

San Francisco is 5-4 and in third place in the NFC West. It plays at the New York Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m.

• Jadeveon Clowney returning vs. Browns in limited role

- Paul Palladino