49ers LB Fred Warner Shares Encouraging Progress

The San Francisco 49ers continue to navigate life without defensive anchor Fred Warner, who suffered a dislocated and fractured ankle during the team’s Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The veteran linebacker was carted off the field in visible pain, and surgery soon followed.

Nearly six weeks later, Warner has offered the most detailed and most encouraging update on his recovery so far.

Despite being sidelined, Warner has remained a steady presence around the organization.

Just a week after the injury, he was back at Levi’s Stadium, watching from the stands and spending time with teammates.

At the time, his mobility was restricted to a knee scooter and a protective foot brace, reminders of a long recovery still ahead, but that picture has changed significantly.

As of the 25th, Warner is no longer relying on a scooter or a brace, marking a major step forward. Speaking on Real Ones: The League, he sounded genuinely uplifted by the momentum of his rehab.

“The biggest milestone this week was getting on that underwater treadmill,” Warner explained. “That was the first time I was legit walking even though it was underwater. Every single day I just get in the water and work on my walking pattern again. Doing some single-leg strengthening stuff. Did some shuffles today. Did some karaoke and all that little stuff. It’s moving along pretty quick. I’m really happy with where it’s at.”

For a player who has been remarkably durable throughout his NFL career, this injury represents uncharted territory.

At 29, Warner is experiencing his first significant setback and the longest stretch of games he has ever missed.

He’s been candid about how difficult it was emotionally to process the severity of the injury and accept that his season was effectively over.

The 49ers have officially ruled Warner out for the remainder of the regular season, and while there is technically a slim chance of a playoff return should San Francisco advance deep enough, the team is not entertaining unrealistic expectations.

His absence has been felt in every layer of the defense, but the focus now is on ensuring he returns fully healthy rather than rushing back prematurely.

Though walking on an underwater treadmill may seem like a small step, for Warner, it represents an important turning point, the first time he has been able to put any real weight on the injured ankle.

Still, the rehab road is long, and all signs point to 2026 as the more realistic target for a complete return.

Even so, the optimism in Warner’s voice signals that he is approaching the challenge with the same intensity and resilience that have made him the heartbeat of the 49ers’ defense.

For the team and its fans, that progress alone is a victory.