The San Francisco 49ers ruled out linebacker Fred Warner for Saturday night's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, a move that came as little surprise. While the team opened the All-Pro's practice window this week, Warner is still working his way back just three months after suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle.
The prevailing belief had been that Warner would have a better chance of returning next week—assuming the 49ers defeat the Seahawks and advance to the NFC Championship Game.
However, one prominent NFL insider is now casting some doubt on even that possibility.
"[Warner] did practice this week but was not able to get up to a point where he could play in today's game," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on NFL GameDay. "My understanding was that was never really realistic. In fact, it is still up in the air whether or not he'll be able to play next week's game.
"Talking to people close to the situation, perhaps the Super Bowl, if the 49ers make it, would be a better spot for Fred Warner to come back. But we'll see."
From @NFLGameDay Morning: The #Seahawks are optimistic that QB Sam Darnold (oblique) will play today; The #49ers may not have Fred Warner next week if they advance, as his status is still up in the air. pic.twitter.com/GFa4HbEr5M
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
When asked how Warner looked during practice this week, head coach Kyle Shanahan offered a brief but positive assessment.
"Looked good," Shanahan said.
Despite this latest report, Shanahan had not ruled out the possibility of Warner returning for the NFC Championship Game when addressing reporters this week.
"I do feel confident in that," Shanahan said. "We'll see if it works out."
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