Fred Warner's return is starting to feel real for the 49ers

At first thought, it feels optimistic for both Warner and the team. However, as the timeline starts to get closer, it is starting to feel more realistic. 

First, the 49ers are starting to feel optimistic about their chances of a playoff run. A few weeks ago, the thought was that the playoff run would be on the road, and they would not have a bye week. The team can likely pull off an upset or two, but it would be hard to string that many wins together. 

Now, the team has a one-game scenario where they could win the one seed. They are at home against the Seahawks, and they already beat Seattle earlier this season. 

If the 49ers get a bye week, it puts them into the divisional round. They will have a home game in the divisional round, and that would mean just one more game until Fred Warner returns. If you think that the 49ers are just two wins away from Warner returning, you have to start considering that the timeline is legitimate. 

Nothing about Warner's rehab says that he could not come back this early, and all signs are that he is taking the return process seriously and will be at nothing but full health when he returns. 

His return could change everything. The 49ers offense is looking elite already. The only thing that could hold them back at this point is their injury-riddled defense. If they get back their most impactful player in the middle of their defense for their two biggest games, it could mask their big issue, just enough for the offense to have a little margin for error over the coming weeks. 

This week's game may be more than just one seed. It may be a fast track to seeing Warner on the field again this season.