Fred Warner Injury Updates, Timeline to Return amid 49ers' NFL Playoff Run

If the San Francisco 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game by defeating the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, star linebacker Fred Warner may be back on the field.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported Tuesday that San Francisco opened his window to return to practice. While he is not expected to play against the Seahawks, the team hopes he could return for the NFC title game if it advances.

Warner hasn't played since Oct. 12 due to a dislocated and fractured right ankle, but recent video indicated he has progressed at an impressive rate even after undergoing surgery:

Earlier this month, head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested the NFC Championship Game could be a possible return date for the defensive star.

"I think it's too far off right now," Shanahan told reporters when discussing a potential return. "I think it is a possibility. As we got closer to a possible third game here, you know, a championship game, but it's not something we're thinking about right now."

If Warner was able to return for a matchup against the Chicago Bears or Los Angeles Rams, it would be a significant boost for the 49ers.

After all, he is one of the best linebackers in the league with a resume that includes four First-Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods. He posted 118 or more tackles in each of his first seven seasons in the league, including in 2024 when he finished with 131 tackles, seven passes defended, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.

His ability to stuff run holes or drop back into coverage makes him a versatile leader for the defense and one the unit could truly use back given the overall attrition on the roster.

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Eric Kendricks started the NFC Wild Card Round playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and became the team's fourth starter at the position this season. He also played alongside new linebacker starter Garret Wallow.

"The fact that we had two linebackers in that game that weren't on our team a month ago," Shanahan told reporters. "I can't tell you how proud of this team I am. Garret, Eric, the fact that you guys were ready for that—I think you guys balled your ass off."

While they both played well, the linebacker room would look much better with Warner back in the picture.