At a Glance
- Linebacker Fred Warner’s practice window opened Tuesday, clearing the first hurdle toward a playoff return.
- Warner has not played since he broke and dislocated his ankle in Week 6 on Oct. 12.
- He must pass medical protocols and earn clearance before suiting up.
- Why it matters: A healthy Warner could bolster San Francisco’s defense if the team advances past Seattle on Saturday.
The San Francisco 49ers took the first formal step toward bringing linebacker Fred Warner back for a potential NFC Championship Game appearance, activating his 21-day practice window on Tuesday, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed.
Warner’s Path to Return
Warner, sidelined since suffering a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6, will participate in walk-throughs this week while the team prepares for Saturday’s divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Shanahan emphasized that medical sign-off will determine whether Warner can suit up.
> “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.”
The linebacker did limited on-field work last week and has maintained that he feels ready.
Player’s Perspective
Speaking this week on “The Ryen Russillo Show,” Warner said he believed he could have played in the wild-card victory over Philadelphia if clearance had come sooner.
> “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 that he is training hard and performing full football drills while awaiting final clearance.
Playoff Implications
The 49ers must first defeat Seattle on Saturday to keep Warner’s return possible. If they advance, the team will re-evaluate his status ahead of the conference title game.
Warner has not appeared in a game since October 12, and the club has proceeded cautiously with his recovery despite his eagerness to play.
Key Takeaways
- Warner’s window is open, but medical clearance remains the final barrier.
- His return would add experience to the defense in a potential NFC Championship Game.
- The 49ers’ season continues Saturday against Seattle; only a win keeps Warner’s comeback alive.
