At a Glance
- The 49ers activated Fred Warner’s practice window Tuesday
- He could return for the NFC Championship if San Francisco beats Seattle
- Warner has been out since a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6
Why it matters: A healthy Warner would boost San Francisco’s defense for a potential conference-title run.
The San Francisco 49ers took the first formal step toward linebacker Fred Warner’s comeback, opening his practice window ahead of Saturday’s divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the move keeps alive the possibility that Warner-sidelined since Week 6 with a broken and dislocated ankle-could suit up in the NFC Championship Game should the 49ers advance.
Shanahan: Medical Checks Final
Shanahan said the decision is not yet in Warner’s hands alone.
“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.”
Warner will participate in walk-throughs this week after doing limited side work last week.
Warner: ‘I’m Ready Whenever They’re Ready’
Appearing on The Ryen Russillo Show, Warner said he felt prepared to play during the wild-card round against 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.
“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.”
That same caveat applies against Seattle: a victory keeps the season-and Warner’s return hopes-alive.
Timeline of Warner’s Injury
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 12, 2025 | Suffers broken and dislocated ankle vs. Rams |
| Week 7-18 | Placed on injured reserve, misses regular season |
| Jan. 11-12 | Does limited side work during wild-card prep |
| Jan. 14 | 49ers open his practice window |
| Jan. 18 | Divisional round vs. Seahawks |
| Potential Jan. 25 | NFC Championship Game (if 49ers win) |
Key Takeaways
- Warner must clear medical protocols before full contact
- His availability hinges on a Saturday win over Seattle
- The linebacker has already resumed full football drills
