Bowman, Dorsey placed on IR

The anticipated comeback of NaVorro Bowman has come to an unexpected end as the San Francisco 49ers placed the All-Pro inside linebacker on season-ending injured reserve Saturday.

The Niners also placed defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey on IR and promoted cornerback Marcus Cromartie and guard Andrew Tiller from the practice squad.

Bowman, who is still recuperating from tearing the ACL and MCL in his left knee in last January's NFC Championship Game at Seattle, had been activated to the 53-man roster on Tuesday after his 21-day evaluation period window closed. He had never practiced, and the team initially hoped to have him back by midseason.

Dorsey, meanwhile, tore his left biceps in training camp and never appeared in a game, though he practiced in limited fashion this week.

Cromartie will wear No. 47 and Tiller will wear No. 61.