The Niners went without LB NaVorro Bowman (knee, shoulder) in practice Wednesday, but the defensive star returned for Thursday's workout.  He should be on track to play Sunday against the Rams in a matchup he dominated the 1st time this season.  WR Mario Manningham (knee) also returned after missing Wednesday's workout.  DE Ray McDonald (ankle) remained out and looks unlikely to play after missing the past 2 games.  WR Michael Crabtree, meanwhile, continues to appear on track for a return to action Sunday.

Just days after signing him, the Raiders expect to start LB NaVorro Bowman tonight against the Chiefs, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Oakland obviously signed him to help a struggling LB corps and likely felt more pressure to speed the veteran along because starters Cory James and Marquel Lee are dealing with injuries that have them questionable for the game. It's tough to know just how much Bowman will play in his 1st Raiders game, but he's the best bet in the corps to play enough snaps to help your IDP squad in a tackle-heavy format.

Veteran LB NaVorro Bowman has agreed to a deal with the Raiders, according to the Cowboys team website. That report arose because Bowman reportedly had other visits lined up but never left Oakland. It's a good fit, keeping Bowman close to the area in which he's spent his entire pro career and adding to a defense that has struggled at LB. Bowman could take over the starting MLB job for the Raiders as soon as he learns the defense. We'll see how quickly he can get acclimated. Don't feel the need to cling to Bowman unless you play in a deep IDP league.

The 49ers on Friday released veteran LB NaVorro Bowman. It's a shocking move because of the big name and his history with the team. But rumors of such a move date back to at least this spring. Bowman has dealt with multiple serious leg injuries in recent seasons and seen his play decline when on the field. Pro Football Focus graded him 63rd among 86 non-edge LBs so far this season. Bowman's likely to get a shot with another team, though. We'll see where and when that happens. His departure leaves room for a returning Reuben Foster (high ankle sprain) to take over in the middle and Ray-Ray Armstrong to continue playing on the outside.

Update: Bowman reportedly requested a release after his agent sent letters around the league, saying his client was available in trade.

The 49ers on Monday confirmed that LB NaVorro Bowman will miss the rest of the season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon against the Cowboys. Nick Bellore stepped in for Bowman on Sunday and looks like he'll start, according to the Sacramento Bee. Michael Wilhoite manned the other ILB spot next to Bowman. Wilhoite's the IDP option for now. We'll see what Bellore does in what would be his 1st career start.

Niners ILB NaVorro Bowman left Sunday's game against the Cowboys after suffering a non-contact left leg injury. He left the field on a cart. Former NFL team doctor David Chao called in a "classic eccentric load injury" and said the video of the hit indicates a ruptured Achilles' tendon. That would obviously end Bowman's season. We'd expect confirmation from the team either way by Monday.