49ers’ Kyle Shanahan explains Fred Warner decision, provides Pearsall and Kittle updates

Fred Warner's return to the field will have to wait at least another week. The San Francisco 49ers have ruled out their All-Pro linebacker for Saturday night's playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

Warner was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice but did not take part on Thursday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Warner did not suffer any setback, adding that the linebacker "looked good" during Wednesday's session.

When asked if he feels more confident that Warner could return for the NFC Championship Game should the 49ers advance, Shanahan was optimistic.

"Yes, I do feel confident in that," Shanahan said. "We'll see if it works out."

Shanahan also noted that Warner will travel with the team to Seattle to support his teammates throughout the trip.

Plan for Ricky Pearsall

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is listed as questionable after missing the last two games due to an aggravated PCL injury. Pearsall practiced this week, and Shanahan was asked how he looked and whether the 49ers would consider limiting his snaps if he's cleared to play against Seattle.

"We wouldn't put him on a snap count, but I saw improvement," Shanahan said. "He's still battling it, so that's why he's still questionable, but we would never put a guy on an exact snap count, especially in a playoff game.

"We also understand where he's at, and that it would probably have to be different than his true status of when he's 100 percent healthy."

Meanwhile, Pearsall sounds confident that he will suit up this weekend.

"Yeah, I'm pretty confident," Pearsall told reporters on Thursday. "I've been in every practice this week. Yeah, you guys saw me practicing last week, but if you really saw me practicing, I couldn't really lift up my leg very well. I was trying to get back.

"But this week gave me a little bit more optimism that I'd be playing this week. Yeah, I'm getting more confident."

George Kittle update

All-Pro tight end George Kittle underwent surgery this week to repair his Achilles injury. Shanahan shared a brief update on Kittle's recovery, noting positive early signs.

"I talked to him through text," Shanahan said. "He sent a funny picture of him, after surgery, to my wife. He seemed like he was feeling pretty good, like most people are right after surgery.

"But I heard it went great. I heard it was a very successful surgery, and he could have a chance to come back a lot sooner than we used to think back in the day with an Achilles. So it was all good news."

Pearsall added that he FaceTimed Kittle following the procedure and said the tight end was in good spirits and playing video games. Pearsall also mentioned that Kittle sent him a few humorous photos as well.

"But he always does that," Pearsall noted.