At a Glance
- San Francisco opened Fred Warner’s practice window Tuesday
- Linebacker has not played since a Week 6 ankle injury on Oct. 12
- He could suit up in the NFC Championship Game if the 49ers beat Seattle on Saturday
- Why it matters: A healthy Warner would bolster the defense for a potential conference-title push
The 49ers took the first formal step toward bringing All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner back, activating his 21-day practice window ahead of Saturday’s divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the move keeps Warner eligible to return should San Francisco advance past Seattle and reach the NFC Championship Game.
Warner’s Path to Return
Warner, sidelined since sustaining a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6, has spent months rehabbing. He did light work on the side of practice last week and will participate in walk-throughs this week.
Shanahan said the final green light hinges on medical clearance, not the player’s eagerness.
“If he tells me he’s good, I’m probably going to think he’s good and trust him to get out there,” Shanahan said. “But you can’t always think with your heart and emotionally, so you ask doctors where he’s at, all the things that these guys have to pass, just protocols that he’s got to hit before we feel safe.”
Timeline of Warner’s Injury and Recovery
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 12, 2025 | Warner suffers ankle injury vs. Rams; placed on IR |
| Last week | Begins limited on-field work |
| Tuesday | 49ers officially open 21-day practice window |
| Saturday | Divisional-round game vs. Seahawks |
| Potential Jan. 26 | NFC Championship Game (if 49ers advance) |
Warner: “I’m Ready”
Appearing this week on The Ryen Russillo Show, Warner said he felt physically prepared to play in last weekend’s wild-card victory over Philadelphia.
“I’m ready whenever they’re ready. You know what I’m saying?” Warner said. “There’s some Ts that got to be crossed, Is that got to be dotted. If it were just up to me, I’d be out there this weekend, but it’s unfortunately not that way. I got to make sure I’m checking all the boxes and everybody has to get me the OK before they let me go out there.”
He added: “But I’m pushing, man. I’m training hard. I’m back doing full football drills and everything, so time will tell. We got to pull the win out first.”
Playoff Stakes
The 49ers must first defeat Seattle on Saturday to keep Warner’s season alive. A victory would send them to the NFC title game and allow Warner an additional week to clear medical protocols.
San Francisco has not confirmed whether Warner would play in the championship game, only that his window is now open and evaluations will continue.
Key Takeaways
- Warner’s practice-window activation is procedural; he still needs full medical clearance
- His potential return would mark roughly 3½ months since the original injury
- The 49ers’ postseason run determines whether Warner gets on the field this season
