RADIO
Fred Warner Could Return for NFC Championship Game, Super Bowl
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a fractured and dislocated right ankle and has a chance to return late in the playoffs if San Francisco were to advance, per Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Warner has been on Injured Reserve since suffering the injury in Week 6. The 29-year-old is widely considered one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL, as he was named a first-team All-Pro in four out of five seasons between 2020 and 2024. Warner recorded 28 solo tackles and two forced fumbles across six games before getting injured in 2025. His return would obviously provide a huge boost for the 49ers' defense, even if he's not quite at full strength. San Francisco has a chance at the number one seed in the NFC heading into Week 17, so they may only need to win one playoff game before potentially welcoming Warner back.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo
