Patrick Willis on 49ers losing Warner: 'You cannot replace a guy like Fred'

The 49ers will now be forced to move forward without the heart and soul of their defense. While Tatum Bethune is expected to step in during Warner's absence, Willis emphasized that the All-Pro linebacker is simply irreplaceable.

"After seeing what happened yesterday with Fred's injury, it's one of those things where I'm still a little bit in disbelief," Willis told 49ers Webzone's Justin Wong this week. "You know, I woke up this morning, and I'm still trying to put it together. But it's one of those things where you cannot replace a guy like Fred. He's been a constant All-Pro at that position—probably the best—and was having a heck of a start to the season."

That's no exaggeration. Warner entered Week 6 with 50 total tackles, on pace for his eighth straight season with 118 or more tackles. He was well on track for another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, adding to his already elite résumé.

The loss to Tampa Bay dropped San Francisco to 4-2 on the season. While the 49ers still hold the top spot in the NFC West, both the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks share the same record, tightening the division race.

Willis offered simple but powerful advice for the 49ers as they adjust to life without their defensive leader.

"To see an injury like this, you can't help but just ask the football gods, 'What could it have been for a guy such as him, who shows up each and every day, practice, and leads the way that you would want a guy in your organization, leading?'

"Something like that to happen, sometimes you just don't have the words. All you can do is have the mentality of 'next man up,' and this is the moment."