NFL Week Preview: Fred Warner Nearing Return, Davante Adams Embracing Rams Culture, and Seahawks Monitoring Sam Darnold
As we head into a pivotal weekend of NFL action, a few key storylines are developing on the West Coast-ranging from a defensive cornerstone making his way back to the field, to a veteran wideout preaching loyalty, to a quarterback situation that’s worth keeping an eye on in Seattle. Let’s break it all down.
Fred Warner’s Return Nears, But 49ers Take No Chances
Fred Warner is officially back on the practice field for the 49ers, designated to return from injured reserve this week. But if you’re expecting an immediate return to game action, pump the brakes-Warner and the team are playing it smart.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Warner said, echoing the cautious optimism that’s become the norm when stars return from injury. The linebacker made it clear that nothing is being rushed. The decision to open his 21-day practice window came only after detailed conversations with doctors and trainers, and Warner emphasized that every step has been medically guided.
“Everything up to this point has been in direct communication with the doctors, the trainers, everybody involved with my surgery,” he explained. “Nothing up to this point has been done just out of just, ‘Hey man, let’s just go out and do it.’”
In other words, no hero ball here. Warner knows the physical toll of the position-especially in a game as violent as football-and he’s not about to jeopardize his long-term health or the team’s playoff hopes by rushing back too soon.
Still, just having Warner’s presence back at practice has already made a difference. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh summed it up best: “Just pure energy. Fred is the ultimate energy giver, so just having him out there is awesome.”
That kind of leadership can be contagious, especially in a locker room gearing up for a postseason run.
Davante Adams to Rams WRs: “It Ain’t Greener Than This”
Davante Adams has been around the block-Green Bay, Las Vegas, New York-and now, Los Angeles. And after a whirlwind few seasons, he’s found something in the Rams organization he wants others to appreciate: stability.
Adams recently opened up about his journey during an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, and he didn’t hold back when reflecting on what he’s learned.
His message to younger receivers like Puka Nacua and Konata Mumpfield? Appreciate what you’ve got.
“I say, ‘Look, man. I don’t care what you’ve seen me do, forcing trades, ending up playing with an old friend or whatever the case may be… It ain’t greener than this,’” Adams said.
That’s not just lip service. Adams acknowledged that his career has been shaped by calculated decisions-ones made with his wife, his family, and in consultation with the teams he’s played for. But now that he’s in L.A., he’s clearly found a fit that resonates.
“Whatever it is, I don’t care what you’ve got to do, make sure you stay in this building and just appreciate a building like this,” he told his teammates. “Just take my word for it.”
For a Rams team that’s been balancing youth and experience all season long, having a seasoned vet like Adams reinforce the value of the organization’s culture speaks volumes.
Seahawks Monitoring Sam Darnold’s Oblique Ahead of 49ers Matchup
The Seahawks are keeping a close eye on quarterback Sam Darnold, who popped up on the injury report with an oblique issue. He’s officially listed as questionable, but if you ask him, the odds of him missing Saturday’s game? Pretty much nonexistent.
“Just in routes on air, just kind of felt a little something in my oblique, just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said. “So just came inside, got some rehab. And, you know, feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
Seattle is playing it safe, giving backup Drew Lock some first-team reps in practice just in case. But the sense around the team is that Darnold should be good to go when the Seahawks face the 49ers.
Elsewhere on the roster, offensive lineman Josh Jones has been ruled out, but otherwise, the Seahawks are heading into the weekend relatively healthy-a welcome change for a team that’s battled injuries all season.
Final Word
With Fred Warner inching closer to a return, Davante Adams settling into a leadership role in L.A., and the Seahawks managing a minor quarterback scare, the NFC West continues to be one of the most intriguing divisions in football. As the playoff picture sharpens, every snap, every play, and every healthy body matters. And this weekend, all eyes will be on how these three teams handle the pressure.