The loss of linebacker Fred Warner has been one of the most significant setbacks of the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 season—a campaign already defined by adversity and injuries. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6 and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Still, some have speculated that Warner could make a surprise return if the 49ers go on a deep playoff run, though the team has emphasized that the odds are slim.
General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday and offered a promising update on the All-Pro linebacker's recovery. However, he still tempered expectations regarding Warner's early return.
"Fred's crushing it," Lynch said. "He's going to attack everything in his life with the same mentality, which is not waste a minute, focus on what he can control, and that's working his tail off. I've told you all the lengths that Fred goes [through] to be the best he can possibly be. He's not approaching this any different."
Lynch referenced a recent video showing Warner's progress in the pool during his rehab.
#49ers Fred Warner just posted this on IG showing the progress he's making in his recovery 👀 pic.twitter.com/AkW7ryz7WR
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 10, 2025
"Someone showed it to me, where he's swimming, so he's kind of taken on that," Lynch said. "And I think that's something Fred always tries to implement—something different. I think, in his approach to this injury, he's approached it the very same way, and he's doing really well.
"Like I said before, it's a stretch to foresee him coming back [for the playoffs], but I don't put anything past Fred Warner. Our biggest issue is just going to be making sure—he'll want to, but it's just like, is it a wise decision for him, for our organization, all those things?
"We'll let that transpire, but what Fred will do is not waste a day in doing everything he can to rehab that injury."