The San Francisco 49ers opened Fred Warner‘s 21-day practice window on Tuesday.
The move was expected to position Warner for a potential return in the NFC Championship Game, assuming the 49ers advance past the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said as much earlier in the week, framing Warner’s return as something the team was building toward for next week.
But Warner is not ruling out Saturday.
Speaking to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner on Wednesday after his second consecutive limited practice session, Warner made it clear that nothing has been decided yet.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Warner told 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.”
The message was measured. But it also left the door open.
“We’re taking it day by day. 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.”
Fred Warner’s Recovery Timeline Has Been Remarkable
GettyFred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers.
Warner has been sidelined since Week 6 after dislocating and fracturing his right ankle.
The injury initially appeared season-ending. Warner has not played in over two months. But his return to practice this week suggests the recovery has progressed faster than anyone anticipated.
Warner participated as a limited participant on both Tuesday and Wednesday. His presence on the field has already made an impact, even if he is not cleared to play yet.
“Just pure energy,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told Wagoner. “Fred is the ultimate energy giver, so just having him out there is awesome.”
Warner acknowledged that there are still multiple checkpoints he needs to clear before being cleared for game action. Those hurdles could make a Saturday return difficult. But Warner also made it clear that he is not approaching this cautiously just for the sake of caution.
“Everything up to this point has been in direct communication with the doctors, the trainers, everybody involved with my surgery,” Warner said. “Nothing up to this point has been done just out of just, ‘Hey man, let’s just go out and do it.’ Everything is scientifically based, right? So anytime you step out there on a football field, that’s what this game is, a violent game. But at the same time, I’m not going to go out there and put myself at an added risk if I’m not ready.”
What Warner’s Return Would Mean for San Francisco
Warner has established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
He has earned three First Team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods over the past three seasons. He had not missed a game across that span before this year’s injury. In six games before going down, Warner recorded 51 tackles, three passes defended, two tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
His absence has forced San Francisco to rely on veteran Eric Kendricks at middle linebacker. Kendricks has been solid, but he is not Warner. The gap in playmaking ability, communication, and leadership has been noticeable.
Getting Warner back would transform San Francisco’s defense. He anchors the middle of the field, directs traffic pre-snap, and provides a level of instinct and experience that cannot be replaced. The 49ers have managed without him, but they have not been the same.
The timing of Warner’s potential return also matters given recent developments. Tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve this week with a torn right Achilles. Losing Kittle hurts. Getting Warner back would soften that blow, at least from a morale and leadership standpoint.
The 49ers Will Make a Decision Thursday
GettyHead coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco will release its injury designations for Saturday’s game on Thursday.
That will provide further clarity on whether Warner has any realistic chance of suiting up against Seattle. For now, the expectation remains that Warner is more likely to return in the NFC Championship Game if the 49ers advance.
But Warner’s comments on Wednesday suggest he is not ready to accept that timeline without pushing back.
“I feel amazing,” Warner said. “Just so grateful, blessed to be back. I think obviously when all this happened, I didn’t really think about the possibility of returning in season, but the way things progressed and being able to have this opportunity to be back with my teammates and have a chance at helping them win this week and so on and so forth, that’s my only goal going forward.”
The 49ers will practice again on Thursday before traveling to Seattle on Friday. How Warner progresses over the next two days will determine whether his return happens Saturday night or a week later.
Final Word for the 49ers
Fred Warner has not ruled out playing Saturday.
The odds still favor a return in the NFC Championship Game rather than against Seattle. But Warner’s presence at practice this week has already shifted the energy around the team. His willingness to push for a faster timeline reflects the competitor he has always been.
San Francisco will make its decision Thursday. Until then, Warner will keep working. And the 49ers will keep hoping their best defensive player can somehow make it back in time.
49ers’ Fred Warner Hints at Stunning Return Against Seahawks