When it comes to the return of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, two things are true:
- The 49ers star is ahead of schedule in his return from a dislocated and fractured ankle.
- An appearance this coming postseason is considered unlikely, though not impossible.
Sources informed of Warner's situation say there is a chance that Warner's rehab could be going well enough for him to make a cameo in the NFC Championship Game if San Francisco is a participant or more likely Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, should it win the conference title. And even then, it would likely be in spot duty as any early return might put Warner at risk of further injury.
Warner has been posting rehab videos regularly showing him working in the pool or lifting weights or doing martial arts. His recovery has been impressive.
This week, in his usual optimistic fashion, 49ers general manager John Lynch told KNBR Radio that a return to the field at some point this season is possible: "I won't put anything past him."
"I think it's a thing that will remain to be seen," Lynch told the radio station. "But I know he's putting his heart and soul and his incredible work ethic to work every single day in an effort to do that."
Warner had surgery on Tuesday, Oct. 14, while Tatum Bethune has mostly filled in for him. The injury carries a 4-6 month recovery timetable.
By that count, the earliest Warner could be back would be Super Bowl LX on Feb 8, and that's as aggressive as it gets.
One of the quickest recoveries in recent memory from this injury was Terrell Suggs at five months, and even that was nerve-racking.
That said, if Warner was able to get on the field in any form or fashion, it would be a boost. One of the game's best, Warner has also been the team's most durable, playing in every game since 2018 at an incredibly high level until his injury.
Warner has not yet weighed in on Lynch's prognostication, but he recently told The Ryen Russillo Show that his focus is on the road back.
"Everything happens for a reason," Warner said. "God has a plan. I was telling guys that as I'm getting carted off and they're feeling sorry for me -- like, 'I'll be good.'"
