Fred Warner Gives Cryptic Answer About Potential Injury Return for 49ers vs. Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner was noncommittal when discussing a possible return during the team's upcoming matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs.

"We're taking it day by day," Warner said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "I think they said last week they weren't going to open my window and then my window is now open. So yeah, we're just taking it day by day."

Warner still has multiple hurdles to clear that could make a comeback difficult as he recovers from a dislocated and fractured right ankle that has kept him sidelined since Week 6, per Wagoner.

San Francisco opened his window to return to practice on Tuesday with the hope that he could suit up in a possible NFC Championship Game appearance, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan also seemed to view a conference championship return as the likely outcome for Warner.

"We're opening his window, so he can do some stuff like that," Shanahan said Tuesday, per Wagoner. "Again, we're not doing much [in practice], so he'll walk through out there with us today and things like that. But hoping he can be ready for next week."

Warner was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL, earning three First Team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods in each of the past three seasons. Injuries also haven't been a major issue for him, as he didn't miss a single game across that span.

Warner remained effective during his limited playing time in 2025, racking up 51 tackles, three passes defended, two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles across six appearances.

If he can't play against Seattle, veteran Eric Kendricks will continue to serve as San Francisco's starting linebacker.

Kickoff between the 49ers and Seahawks is on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.