The San Francisco 49ers have opened the practice window for linebacker Fred Warner, aiming for his potential return if the team advances to the NFC Championship game. Warner has been sidelined since he fractured and dislocated his right ankle on October 12 during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Initially, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that the injury would end Warner”s season, but he has been diligently rehabbing and was seen running on a side field last week.
As the 49ers gear up to face the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round on Saturday night, Warner”s presence at practice is a positive sign. Shanahan commented, “We”re not doing much, so he”ll walk through out there with us today and things like that, but hoping he can be ready for next week.” The team remains optimistic about Warner”s recovery, especially given that he has shown determination to return to the field.
The 49ers have navigated the season successfully despite significant injuries to their defense, losing star defensive end Nick Bosa to a season-ending knee injury in Week 3, followed by Warner”s injury in Week 6. Shanahan emphasized that the final call on Warner”s return will rest with the medical staff. “If he feels good and tells me he”s good, I”m probably going to think he is and trust him to get out there,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the importance of following medical protocols before making a decision.
Warner has been a standout player for the 49ers, earning First-Team All-Pro honors for three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024 and previously in 2020. His 947 career tackles rank second in franchise history, just behind Patrick Willis“s 950, dating back to the year 2000. Remarkably, Warner had missed only one game throughout his eight-year career prior to this injury, which occurred in 2021 due to a hamstring issue. He played much of the previous season with a fractured bone in his ankle, yet still achieved All-Pro recognition.
In the offseason, Warner signed a three-year contract extension valued at $63 million, ensuring his place with the team through the 2029 season. In other injury updates, linebacker Dee Winters, safety Ji”Ayir Brown, and Luke Gifford would have been unable to practice if a session had been held. Additionally, receiver Ricky Pearsall, guard Dominick Puni, and defensive lineman Keion White would have faced limitations in practice.
Shanahan also announced that tight end George Kittle is set for surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon this Wednesday, adding another layer of challenge for the team as they prepare for the playoffs.
