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NFL Announces Punishment For 49ers LB Fred Warner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 5:02 PM ET

Fred Warner and the San Francisco 49ers have had a hot start to the 2025 NFL season, moving to 3-0 after their 16-15 win over Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 despite missing starting quarterback Brock Purdy. Warner, in his eighth season with the 49ers, continues to lead Kyle Shanahan's defense, totaling a team-high 30 tackles, two tackles for loss and three passes defended through three games.

Against Arizona, Warner tied his season high with 11 tackles. However, less than two minutes into the opening quarter, he recorded one on a 4th-and-1 run by Cardinals running back James Conner, lowering his helmet before Conner gained the first down.

While the officials did not blow the whistle, the NFL still announced that Warner has been fined $23,186 for an illegal "use of the helmet.

Warner is one of five NFL players who were fined for "use of the helmet" against a defender, including Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao ($17,278), Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon ($5,045), Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee ($18,581) and Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams ($23,186).

"There also were several fines issued for use of the helmet against defensive players in Week 3 — including #49ers LB Fred Warner getting docked $23,186 on this play," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X.

There also were several fines issued for use of the helmet against defensive players in Week 3 — including #49ers LB Fred Warner getting docked $23,186 on this play. https://t.co/zaKS7I3mjE pic.twitter.com/M57ZZcVJXu
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2025

Warner was not the only player from 49ers vs. Cardinals who was charged by the league. Arizona tight end Trey McBride was also hit with an $11,593 penalty due to "taunting."

Warner and the 49ers will look to move to 4-0 on Sunday with a Week 4 battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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