Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Excellent news for Penn State, as standout outside linebacker Navorro Bowman is expected to play Saturday against Iowa (ABC, 8 p.m. ET) after missing the last two games with a groin injury.

Bowman returned to practice Monday and, according to teammate Josh Hull, showed no ill effects of the groin injury.

"Navorro's back in the lineup as of [Monday]," Hull said this morning. "He looked real good, he looked fast, changed directions well. He's going to be ready for Saturday."

Bowman's return comes at the perfect time, as fellow standout linebacker Sean Lee deals with a sprained left knee. Lee didn't practice Monday and looks questionable to doubtful for the Iowa game.

After missing last season with a torn right ACL, Lee hasn't missed a beat in three games this fall, leading Penn State in both tackles (32) and tackles for loss (7.5).

"They might have to chain him to the bench," Hull said. "His status is still in the air right now. ... He did not practice [Monday] and we'll leave it at that."

Bowman, who hurt his groin in the first half of the season opener, was one of the Big Ten's most explosive defenders in 2008. He led Penn State in both tackles (106) and tackles for loss (16.5), and added two forced fumbles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

While Nate Stupar has performed well in Bowman's absence, the first-team All-Big Ten linebacker could make a huge difference against Iowa's power run.

"It's going to be exciting to have Navorro out there again," Hull said. "It brings some leadership back in the huddle. He's a real explosive kid who can make a big play at any point in the game, so we're really looking forward to having that back."