San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Monday that linebacker Fred Warner is nursing an ankle injury. According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, Warner will be “day to day.” Fortunately, tests revealed that he avoided a high ankle sprain or any more severe injuries. Warner left Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots due to the injury and did not return.
After the game, Warner expressed to the media that he would have continued playing if possible. “It takes a lot for me to tap out,” he stated. “If I could have been out there, I would have. We’ll get more information from scans and everything, but I feel good right now.”
Despite his early exit, Warner made a significant impact in the 49ers’ 30-13 victory over the Patriots. He intercepted a pass from quarterback Jacoby Brissett and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, marking the 49ers’ first touchdown of the game. Warner has been outstanding for the team this season, and in addition to his pick-six against the Patriots, he also played a key role in forcing turnovers in their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, he intercepted quarterback Sam Darnold and forced a fumble, helping keep the 49ers competitive despite ultimately losing.
So far this season, the versatile linebacker has recorded 27 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four pass deflections, placing him among the frontrunners for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The 49ers are already managing several injuries and hope to have Warner available for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. Although the Cardinals have a 1-3 record, the 49ers will need all their defensive resources to contain the explosive offensive trio of James Conner, Kyler Murray, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Additionally, the 49ers are missing linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, with Hargrave out for the season due to a torn triceps and Greenlaw sidelined with an Achilles injury sustained during the Super Bowl, delaying his return until later in the season.
