The San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move Tuesday by opening the practice window for linebacker Fred Warner, despite previously indicating that such a step was unlikely this week. Warner is just three months removed from suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle, making even a potential playoff return a remarkable development.
While it remains unlikely that Warner will suit up for Saturday night's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks—though it would not be a complete shock—the chances of him being ready for the NFC Championship Game appear more realistic.
First, however, the 49ers must pull off a second straight playoff upset on the road, this time in Seattle.
Given the short week, Tuesday's practice was limited to a light walk-through. Even so, Warner's presence was immediately noticeable.
"Just pure energy," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said of the atmosphere following Warner's return. "Fred's the ultimate energy-giver, and so, just having him out there is awesome. Yesterday was a little bit more tempo down, but today, obviously, with a higher tempo, it'll be fun to get him out there, seeing him running around."
The 49ers coaching staff is frequently asked about managing Christian McCaffrey's workload—often having to protect the running back from himself. On defense, the dynamic is different.
"Christian, obviously, he's a high-volume back," Saleh said. "Shoot, on defense, it's just different."
While that is generally true for defensive starters, Warner will almost certainly be on a snap count whenever he returns to the lineup. He is coming off a significant injury, and the 49ers will be cautious not to jeopardize his availability for next season.
Even in a limited role, Warner's return has an undeniable impact.
"I feel like you could say we can definitely feel his presence a bit more," wide receiver Demarcus Robinson said on Tuesday. "He's out there on the field with us. We always had his energy, being in the stadium, getting the crowd pumped before the game. But definitely, for us now, as teammates, having him out there, being on the field at practice, seeing him running around. It feels good seeing him back out there."