NaVorro Bowman 'close to return' from serious knee injury

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is close to full fitness, according to general manager Trent Baalke.

Bowman missed the entire 2014 season with a serious knee injury, but hopes to be fully fit by the time the 2015 season starts in September.

Baalke told CSN: "We're very confident in where he's at with his recovery. He's really starting to feel like it's coming back to where he wants it. And that's always the most important thing. I think he's at a real good place right now."

Bowman was named as the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.