Fred Warner isn’t quite ready to suit up for the San Francisco 49ers’ divisional-round clash with the Seattle Seahawks - but his presence is already making an impact.
Just a few months ago, the idea of Warner returning this season felt like a long shot. The All-Pro linebacker suffered a brutal ankle injury earlier in the year, and while the 49ers always held out hope, few expected him to be back in the mix this soon. Yet here we are: Warner’s 21-day practice window has officially opened, and while he won’t be active this weekend, his return to the field - even just in practice gear - is giving the Niners a serious emotional boost ahead of a high-stakes playoff showdown.
Let’s be clear: Warner won’t play against the Seahawks. Despite some buzz earlier in the week - including a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that left the door slightly ajar - the 49ers are keeping it cautious.
According to Matt Barrows, Warner will need at least another week. That means if the Niners want to see No. 54 back in uniform this postseason, they’ll need to take care of business in Seattle and punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
But even without Warner on the field, his presence is being felt - and not just in the locker room.
“The fact that Fred even has a jersey on less than 100 days after what happened to him, that’s just uplifting,” left tackle Trent Williams said this week. “Whether Fred takes the field in these playoffs or not, that’s motivation.”
Williams isn’t exaggerating. Warner is the heartbeat of this defense, the captain who sets the tone every week.
His return to practice - even in a limited capacity - is a reminder of what the 49ers are playing for. It’s not just about advancing.
It’s about getting one of their leaders back in the huddle.
Quarterback Brock Purdy echoed that sentiment.
“It’s cool because you can feel his presence,” Purdy said. “No. 54 is right there around the corner. Obviously, if we do our job and handle our business, then we can get Fred back.”
Purdy knows what Warner means to this team. Everyone in that locker room does.
Warner isn’t just a playmaker - he’s the emotional engine. His voice carries weight, and his work ethic sets the standard.
“He’s the captain here, man,” Purdy added. “He’s the guy that we all follow. He set the standard of really how we play here.”
That kind of leadership can’t be overstated, especially in the playoffs - where margins are razor-thin and momentum can swing in an instant. Warner’s presence, even in sweats and a hoodie, reminds this team of what they’re fighting for. And while he won’t be out there chasing down Seahawks ball carriers on Saturday, you can bet his teammates will be playing with him in mind.
In the meantime, the 49ers will lean on their depth at linebacker. Veteran Eric Kendricks, who came up big in the Wild Card win over the Eagles with a clutch late-game play, will continue to anchor the middle of the defense.
He’s been steady, reliable, and exactly what the Niners needed when Warner went down. But make no mistake - the goal is still to get Warner back on the field.
And that starts with taking care of business in Seattle.
The 49ers have made a habit of reaching the NFC Championship Game under Kyle Shanahan. If they want to keep that streak alive - and give Warner a chance to rejoin the playoff push - they’ll need to summon all the motivation they can.
Seeing No. 54 back at practice might be just the spark they need.