Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports, citing a league source, reports that 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman has been cleared to practice next week and will return at that time.

Getlin adds that Bowman is experiencing some knee pain, but sources attributed this to “normal rehab aches and pains.“

Ed Werder confirms the report and adds that the 49ers have until Tuesday to start their 21-day evaluation period.

This news comes just a say after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that there is a “real possibility” that Bowman will not play at all this season due to the torn ACL and MCL he suffered last season.

Apparently, Bowman’s knee is doing much better than anticipated.

San Francisco has actually held up pretty well without Bowman and Patrick Willis in the lineup as Michael Wilhoite and rookie Chris Borland have as stepped in and produced.

Bowman, 25, signed a seven-year, $46.37 million contract that included $25.5 million guaranteed back in 2012. However, he recently converted $3.27 million of his $4 million base salary into a signing bonus.

When healthy, Bowman has proven to be one of the best linebackers in the league. In 2013, he totaled 145 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and two recoveries for the 49ers. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 overall inside linebacker last season.