San Francisco 49ers remain cautiously optimistic about linebacker Fred Warner’s potential return for the NFC Championship Game. Warner suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 6 but has exceeded all rehabilitation expectations, offering a glimmer of hope for his participation deep into the playoffs.
FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer highlighted Warner’s remarkable recovery progress during the “NFL on FOX Pregame” show. He mentioned that the 49ers could realistically consider activating Warner if they reach the NFC Championship, a scenario many teams would consider unlikely under similar circumstances.
Warner’s impact on the field is significant, as evidenced by his performance in the six games he played this season. He recorded two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defended, and 51 combined tackles. These stats underscore his influence as a defensive leader and playmaker for the team.
Throughout his career, Warner has consistently demonstrated high-level production. He has led the 49ers with over 110 combined tackles in each of his seven full NFL seasons. Additionally, he has forced four fumbles in each of the past two seasons, reinforcing his status as a four-time All-Pro linebacker.
For Warner’s return to be meaningful, the 49ers must first overcome playoff challenges. They ended the regular season with a 12-5 record but finished as the No. 6 seed in the NFC after a crucial loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. This positioning requires them to play in the wild-card round.
San Francisco’s playoff journey begins with a tough road game against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX and available on the FOX Sports app.
The 49ers’ ability to advance will determine if Warner gets the opportunity to influence the postseason. If they can navigate this playoff gauntlet, his potential return could provide a significant boost to an already formidable defense.
In summary, while Warner’s ankle injury initially cast doubt on his playoff availability, his rehabilitation success has created cautious hope within the 49ers’ organization. His presence in the NFC Championship would enhance their competitive edge, making his recovery status a key storyline as the team enters postseason play.
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