The San Francisco 49ers felt the absence of Fred Warner last season. The star linebacker suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign.

Now healthy, Warner is preparing to rejoin his teammates on the field. Like several veteran players, he was limited during organized team activities as the 49ers took a cautious approach to his return. However, the linebacker is expected to be a full participant when training camp begins next month.


"I'm feeling extremely blessed, grateful to be back," Warner said in April, as the 49ers kicked off their offseason program. "I'm feeling great, and no restrictions, just being able to jump right in."

For the younger players on the roster, Warner serves as both a leader and a mentor. His résumé ranks among the NFL's elite. Over eight seasons, Warner has earned four first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods. Before last year's injury-shortened season, he had recorded at least 118 tackles in every campaign and had missed just one game in his NFL career—a 2021 contest.

This past week, new 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was asked whether Warner's energy has an impact on the team's younger players. Morris didn't hesitate to praise the veteran linebacker.

"It does," Morris said. "No disrespect to all the great players that I've been lucky enough to be around. I don't know if anybody's had the juice that Fred has. The greatness, the great mornings, the great days, the great attitude, the mentality to go out every single day and win the day. He brings a different attitude every single day, and it is absolutely refreshing."

Morris has spent time with multiple NFL organizations and coached some of the league's biggest stars, including current 49ers general manager John Lynch, a Hall of Fame NFL safety.


"I've seen the ups and downs from some of your great players, whether it's been the Aaron Donalds, or Jalen Ramsey, or a Derrick Brooks, a John Lynch, a Ronde Barber. I haven't seen a guy be as consistent as he's been since I've been here as Fred. He's every single day."

Warner's return should provide an immediate boost to a 49ers defense that was hit hard by injuries last season. Despite those setbacks, San Francisco still managed to win 12 games, reach the playoffs, and earn a postseason victory. With Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa back on the field, the unit is aiming for more success in 2026.

Warner's presence—along with the return of Dre Greenlaw—should also accelerate the development of younger players, including rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger.

"They want to be like those guys, and they set such good examples for everybody in the building," Morris said. "That is always going to be a good thing with those guys."

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