SANTA CLARA – The 49ers were short a couple of All-Pro linebackers at Tuesday's minicamp practice.
NaVorro Bowman was in Maryland because his girlfriend is expecting twins, a team spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Patrick Willis was pulled out of practice early so he could fly home to Tennessee for personal reasons.
Both absences were excused.
Coach Jim Harbaugh pulled Willis out of a defensive huddle early in the session. They spoke for a few seconds, then Willis ran off the field and into the locker room with head trainer Jeff Ferguson.
The exact reason for the abrupt departure was unknown.
Later in practice, rookie inside linebacker Joe Holland came off the field and spent the rest of the session observing from the sideline.
That left three inside linebackers. Larry Grant and Tavares Gooden lined up with the first-team defense, while Michael Wilhoite, who joined the 49ers' practice squad late last year, played with the second team.
Tight end Delanie Walker also left practice with an injury, although he was on his feet and did not appear to be seriously hurt.
Cornerbacks Carlos Rogers and Curtis Holcomb returned to practice after missing recent sessions. Rogers had been dealing with a calf strain.
– Matthew Barrows
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