Earlier this week, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said star linebacker Fred Warner would miss this weekend's game against the Seattle Seahawks. One of Warner's teammates, however, wouldn't be surprised if the linebacker tries to fight through the hamstring strain he suffered on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Warner did not practice on Thursday. However, he was out on a side field testing his hamstring while his teammates practiced.
"He had his 49ers' helmet and jersey on Thursday as he tested his hamstring strain on a side field, under the supervision of trainers for the first 20 minutes of practice," wrote Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group.
Is Warner trying to get back on the field for this weekend's important battle with an NFC West rival? Tight end George Kittle was asked if he feels like the linebacker could play on Sunday.
"I hope so," Kittle responded, per Kirk Larrabee. "I hope that's his mindset, which I think it is. I feel like Fred and me are pretty similar. We do everything we can to be available on Sundays. The amount of work, we practice hard, but the amount of time we put into our bodies Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, I know that he is working diligently on being able to be on the field on Sunday.
"If he plays, I won't be surprised. And if he doesn't play, he's dealing with something. It's not going to be disappointing for me. Obviously, I want him out there, but whatever's best for him. We've still got some games left he needs to play in."
Warner appeared in all 16 games in each of his first three NFL seasons. He has appeared in all 11 games this season. One of Warner's defensive teammates, pass rusher Nick Bosa, admits that he has no idea whether or not Warner will try to play on Sunday.
"I'm sure he is [trying]," Bosa told reporters.
Is Bosa expecting to see him on the field in Seattle?
"I really have no clue. I've been asking him how he's feeling, but I couldn't tell you."