The San Francisco 49ers got back one of their best young defensive stars on Wednesday. The team has announced that linebacker Fred Warner has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, making him available to return to practice at any time.
The #49ers have activated LB Fred Warner from the Reserve/Covid-19 List.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 9, 2020
San Francisco no longer has any players with the COVID-19 roster designation, and the team now has 53 players on the roster. The 49ers reached this past Saturday's roster-cut deadline with 52 players, leaving one spot open for Warner even though he did not count against the 53-player limit.
Warner landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on August 31, forcing him to stay away from the team. It is unknown if the linebacker tested positive for the virus or if he came in contact with someone who did. Being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list could mean either. A club is required to immediately put a player on the list if he falls into either of the two categories.
Clubs are not permitted to comment on a player's medical status other than referring to the roster status and may not disclose whether the player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.
Warner was the third 49ers player to land on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Both wide receiver Richie James Jr. and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. were placed on the list in July and removed shortly thereafter.
"I think it's just a good reminder that no one's out of the woods," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on August 31. "When you go a few weeks with nothing happening, you start to feel pretty safe. It's a reminder that this stuff is out there.
San Francisco made Warner a third-round selection out of BYU in 2018, and the linebacker quickly emerged as one of the team's best defenders. Warner led the 49ers in tackles last season with 118 while adding three sacks, nine passes defensed, an interception, and a touchdown.
The 49ers are scheduled to host the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.