San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fred Warner's practice participation raises hopes of improbable return from injury

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 6:07 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is taking strides toward an incredible 2025 comeback.

On Thursday, ESPN NFL reporter Nick Wagoner observed the four-time first-team All-Pro "doing some work on the side" at practice.

"Warner did some short sprints then sat down during portion open to media," Wagoner wrote in a post to social media.

The Athletic 49ers reporter Matt Barrows added that while Warner remains on injured reserve and is inactive for Sunday's wild-card game at the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) (Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox), "If the 49ers win... then it gets interesting."

Seen running on a side field today: Fred Warner.

Warner, who is still on IR, will not play Sunday. If the 49ers win? Then it gets interesting.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 8, 2026

Fred Warner's potential return would be major boost to San Francisco 49ers

Warner underwent what was initially described as "season-ending surgery" after fracturing and dislocating his right ankle in a Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 12.

"He's one of our best players," head coach Kyle Shanahan said at the time, per ESPN. "I feel so bad for Fred right now."

Before his injury, Warner had only missed one of his first 122 games since the start of the 2018 season. In six games this year, Warner had 51 tackles (two for loss), three passes defended and two forced fumbles.

A return would be massive for a reeling 49ers defense. San Francisco is allowing 354.8 yards and 25.5 points per game since its Week 14 bye. Overall, the Niners (12-5) are No. 25 in expected points added per play on defense while generating the league's second-lowest pressure rate (26.7 percent), per NFL Pro.

Getting past the Eagles will be tough, but relief could be on the way if San Francisco manages to go on a run. Warner is the best player on the defense, and getting him back in any capacity would be a huge boost. It would also be one of the most remarkable comebacks in league history.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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