San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner was not seen participating in Thursday's practice as the team continued preparations for Saturday night's NFC playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Warner returned to the practice field on Wednesday as he works his way back from the dislocated and fractured right ankle he suffered three months ago. However, during the portion of practice open to reporters on Thursday, Warner remained on the sideline, observing his teammates as they went through drills.
This might dampen the Fred-in-Seattle vibe, but he doesn't appear to be practicing today. Luke Gifford (quad) was on hand at the start of practice. Not seen: Ji'Ayir Brown, Yetur Gross-Matos pic.twitter.com/XS7tmJiASH
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 15, 2026
The 49ers are coming off a Wild Card road win over the Philadelphia Eagles and now face the Seahawks at Lumen Field with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.
Most don't expect Warner to return to game action until at least the NFC Championship Game, should San Francisco advance past Seattle this weekend.
When asked about the possibility of playing against the Seahawks, Warner simply said, "The expectation is to continue to take it day by day and see where we're at."
Because media members are only permitted to watch the early portion of practice, Warner's official status will not be known until the 49ers release their practice participation report following the session.
Also not seen practicing on Thursday were safety Ji'Ayir Brown, who is dealing with a hamstring injury and is not expected to play Saturday, and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, who was limited in Wednesday's session due to a knee injury.
The only #49ers I did not see during early open portion of Thursday practice were S Ji'Ayir Brown and DL Yetur Gross-Matos.
Brown seems unlikely this week with hamstring injury. Not unusual for YGM to get a day off.
LB Luke Gifford (quad) was back in the mix.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 15, 2026