While a return is far from guaranteed, head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged that Warner's chances would increase if the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game. Warner has been rehabbing diligently since suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle on October 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Encouragingly, Warner's recovery appears to be progressing. Multiple 49ers beat reporters observed the All-Pro linebacker running on a side field during the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media.
The 49ers are currently preparing for their NFC Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Shanahan addressed Warner's potential postseason return but cautioned against reading too much into the recent progress.
"I think it's too far off right now," Shanahan said. "I think it is a possibility, as we get closer to a possible third game here—a championship game. But it's not something we're thinking about right now."
Off the field, Warner recently celebrated a significant personal milestone. He and his wife, Sydney, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Bella Nicole Warner. The couple, who married in June 2022 in Vista, California, also have a son, Beau Anthony, born in March 2024.
As the playoffs unfold, Warner's recovery will continue to be closely monitored, especially if the 49ers extend their postseason run.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Fred Warner discusses importance of beating Raiders, DeForest Buckner's return
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner understands what Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders means to fans, particularly those in the Bay Area. The Raiders played in Oakland before relocating to Las Vegas, creating a local rivalry between the two franchises and... -
49ers Could Lean Heavily on Their Running Game Against Raiders' Struggling Defense
The San Francisco 49ers could have a good opportunity to establish their running game when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. With several important pieces of their receiving corps expected to miss the matchup and Christian McCaffrey nursing a hamstring injury, Kyle... -
49ers' Nick Bosa returns to practice, other injury updates, 2 practice windows opened
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is set to return to practice Wednesday after missing the team's last five games with a calf injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Bosa will be a limited participant as the 49ers prepare for Sunday's matchup against the Las... -
49ers injury updates: Deebo Samuel returns to practice, several others out
The San Francisco 49ers will return to the practice field Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. PT to begin preparing for their Week 10 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Ahead of practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters. He shared that wide receiver Deebo Samuel is...