On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan had seemingly ruled Warner out for Sunday's game. But seeing the effort he is putting in this week, the 49ers are leaving the door open to the possibility of the linebacker playing.
"It is doubtful but Fred is trying as hard as he can to go, and I won't put it past him, but he's going to have to do some hard convincing," Shanahan said on Friday. "... He hasn't [lobbied] to me personally but just watching him out on the field, he won't go out there without a helmet.
"He's doing everything with every rep on the side, on his own. And he's showing the trainers that he's got a chance, so he's not going to give up. That's what you hope for the guy. But it is 'doubtful.'"
Given how hard Warner works, one 49ers teammate admitted this week that he wouldn't be shocked to see the linebacker play. On Thursday, tight end George Kittle was asked if he feels Warner could get on the field on Sunday.
"I hope so," Kittle responded. "I hope that's his mindset, which I think it is. I feel like Fred and me are pretty similar. We do everything we can to be available on Sundays. The amount of work, we practice hard, but the amount of time we put into our bodies Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, I know that he is working diligently on being able to be on the field on Sunday.
"If he plays, I won't be surprised. And if he doesn't play, he's dealing with something. It's not going to be disappointing for me. Obviously, I want him out there, but whatever's best for him. We've still got some games left he needs to play in."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers restore locker room after Seahawks' Super Bowl LX takeover
The San Francisco 49ers locker room at Levi's Stadium looked a little different during Super Bowl LX — and not in a way 49ers players appreciated. Although the Seattle Seahawks were officially designated as the away team, they were assigned the home locker room and even wore... -
49ers' George Kittle posts one-word reaction after Seahawks hire Brian Fleury
The San Francisco 49ers are losing a key member of head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff to an NFC West rival. On Sunday, it was reported that the Seattle Seahawks are hiring 49ers run game coordinator and tight ends coach Brian Fleury as their new offensive coordinator. He... -
49ers lose key Kyle Shanahan assistant to NFC West rival Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers are losing a key member of Kyle Shanahan's coaching staff to a division rival. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Seattle Seahawks are hiring longtime 49ers assistant Brian Fleury as their new offensive coordinator. He replaces Klint... -
49ers Blueprint: 3 Offseason Keys to Compete With the Rams and Seahawks
It's been a week since the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, as the Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots. With the game in the rearview mirror, the offseason has begun. Hopeful pro prospects will gather in Indianapolis for the Combine next week. With roster turnover...