Fred Warner Eyes Playoff Return as 49ers Push Through Injury-Riddled Season
The San Francisco 49ers have had their depth tested all season long, with injuries piling up across the roster. But amid the adversity, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon - and it comes in the form of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
Warner, who suffered a fractured and dislocated right ankle back in Week 6 against the Buccaneers, has been sidelined for weeks. At the time, the outlook for a return this season seemed bleak. But now, with the playoffs approaching and the 49ers still firmly in the postseason mix, Warner is reportedly making strides toward a comeback that once seemed out of reach.
According to team insider Matt Barrows, Warner is doing everything he can to get back on the field in time for the playoffs. "I guarantee you he is gunning for a return during the playoffs,” Barrows said during a Tuesday morning radio appearance.
“I saw him in the locker room yesterday. No crutches, no boot, nothing.
He’s making progress.”
That’s a significant development, especially considering the nature of Warner’s injury. A fractured and dislocated ankle typically requires a lengthy recovery - Barrows noted that several orthopedic specialists he spoke with pegged the average timeline at around four months. That would put Warner on track for a potential return sometime in the middle of the postseason, should the 49ers advance deep enough.
It’s still a long shot, but the fact that Warner is walking without assistance and staying close to the team is an encouraging sign. His presence alone - even off the field - has been a steadying force for this defense. But make no mistake: getting Warner back on the field, even in a limited capacity, would be a massive boost for San Francisco’s playoff hopes.
BYE Week Timing and Other Injury Updates
This year’s BYE week came unusually late for the 49ers, and while that timing might have felt strange, it could end up being a blessing in disguise. The extra rest is giving the team a chance to regroup and potentially get some key contributors back in the fold.
One name to watch is kicker Eddie Piñeiro, who could be activated as early as this weekend. His return would bring some much-needed stability to the special teams unit, which has seen its share of ups and downs this season.
But all eyes remain on Warner. The 49ers’ defense has held its own without him, but his sideline-to-sideline speed, leadership, and ability to diagnose plays in real time are irreplaceable. If he can make it back in time for a playoff run, it could be the kind of emotional and tactical lift that pushes a good team into great territory.
Curtis Robinson Named 49ers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year
Off the field, another 49ers linebacker is making headlines for all the right reasons. Curtis Robinson has been named the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for the second straight season - a testament to his consistent impact both on and off the field.
Robinson’s work in the community is as extensive as it is inspiring. Motivated by his mother’s career in education, he’s become a passionate advocate for equal access to learning opportunities. Through his involvement with the 49ers Foundation, he’s helped bring STEAM education to Title I students, using football as a vehicle to teach science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
His efforts go beyond the classroom. Robinson serves on the 49ers’ Social Justice Player Committee, helping allocate over $1 million to grassroots organizations. He’s mentored youth impacted by the justice system, read to elementary school students through the Read for Justice program, and even participated in visits to San Quentin State Rehabilitation Center to connect with incarcerated individuals and their families.
This year, Robinson used the $40,000 donation tied to his Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination to fund a new Mobilize Love truck - a mobile outreach unit that provides free haircuts and other essential services to underserved communities. At a recent event in Oakland, more than 100 students received meals, haircuts, eye exams, and $250 grocery gift cards for their families.
It’s a powerful reminder that leadership in the NFL isn’t just about what happens between the lines. Robinson’s commitment to education, mentorship, and equity is making a real, lasting difference in the Bay Area.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers face a challenging road ahead, but they’ve been here before - a team built on resilience, depth, and a belief that their best football is still in front of them. With Fred Warner pushing for a playoff return and Curtis Robinson setting the standard off the field, this team continues to show what it means to lead - in every sense of the word.