It’s unusual, but Fred Warner is listed as questionable for the San Francisco 49ers‘ game against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. The All-Pro linebacker, who has only missed one game in his seven-year career, returned to practice Friday after an ankle injury sidelined him during last week’s 30-13 win over the Patriots. Warner moved well in warm-ups but was limited in Friday’s session. In other injury updates, tight end George Kittle (ribs) is also questionable, though he finished last week’s game. Kittle practiced in a limited capacity Friday.
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) have been ruled out, while wide receiver Chris Conley (oblique) is doubtful. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing (shoulder), defensive tackle Kalia Davis (knee), and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (thigh) are listed as questionable.
On Sunday, the 49ers will don their throwback uniforms—red jerseys with white pants—to combat the record heat expected at Levi’s Stadium, with temperatures forecasted to reach the mid-90s at the 1:05 p.m. kickoff. This would mark the hottest game in the stadium’s history, surpassing the 88-degree record from October 2021.
Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, recently promoted from the practice squad, earned his spot with impressive play, contributing five tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in limited snaps. Okuayinonu, originally from Liberia, began playing football only in high school and continues to show growth, according to defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen.
Meanwhile, the 49ers offense has had to adjust to defenses targeting routes over the middle, which are a staple of their system. Last Sunday, quarterback Brock Purdy exploited deeper opportunities, connecting on long passes to Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Purdy is also one game away from setting an NFL record for the most games with a passer rating of 140.0 or higher in a player’s first three seasons.
