There remains a possibility that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner could return to the field if the team advances deep into the postseason.
While a return is far from guaranteed, head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged that Warner's chances would increase if the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game. Warner has been rehabbing diligently since suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle on October 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Encouragingly, Warner's recovery appears to be progressing. Multiple 49ers beat reporters observed the All-Pro linebacker running on a side field during the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media.
Seen running on a side field today: Fred Warner.
Warner, who is still on IR, will not play Sunday. If the 49ers win? Then it gets interesting.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 8, 2026
For the first time during practice today, #49ers LB Fred Warner was doing some work on the side.
Warner did some short sprints then sat down during portion open to media.
👀
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 8, 2026
The 49ers are currently preparing for their NFC Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Shanahan addressed Warner's potential postseason return but cautioned against reading too much into the recent progress.
"I think it's too far off right now," Shanahan said. "I think it is a possibility, as we get closer to a possible third game here—a championship game. But it's not something we're thinking about right now."
Off the field, Warner recently celebrated a significant personal milestone. He and his wife, Sydney, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Bella Nicole Warner. The couple, who married in June 2022 in Vista, California, also have a son, Beau Anthony, born in March 2024.
As the playoffs unfold, Warner's recovery will continue to be closely monitored, especially if the 49ers extend their postseason run.