The San Francisco 49ers' defense lost its best player in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks. 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman was carted off the field with what appeared to be a devastating knee injury on a catch near the goal line. Coach Jim Harbaugh said after game that the preliminary diagnosis was a torn ACL, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. It appeared Bowman intercepted the pass, but the play was ruled a completion for the Seahawks, who subsequently fumbled the ensuing snap and lost the ball. Bowman was arguably the best defensive player in the league this season. No inside linebacker covers more ground, and he was having a huge game before the injury with 14 tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Source: NFL.com
