49ers Linebacker Fred Warner Reveals He’s Battling Through Fractured Ankle Bone!

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — While the San Francisco 49ers have faced a slew of injuries impacting star players like quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner has emerged as a pillar of resilience this season. However, behind his remarkable performance lies a tough secret: Warner has been playing with a fractured bone in his ankle, an injury he sustained during a victory against the New England Patriots on September 29.

With the critical matchup against the Buffalo Bills approaching, Warner will be stepping onto the field for the eighth consecutive game, all while enduring the pain of his ankle injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner disclosed. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You’ve got to go out there, execute, play at a high level, and win every single week."

Warner first injured his ankle while tackling during the first half against the Patriots, where he had already tallied an impressive seven tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown on just 27 snaps. Despite his early optimism about recovery, Warner's injury did not prevent him from continuing to make significant contributions on the field. The following week, in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded 12 tackles, further solidifying his role as a team leader.

To date, Warner has amassed a notable 84 tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions for the season. When asked about the potential for his ankle to heal before the end of the season, Warner candidly acknowledged the grim reality, stating, "Any time you fracture a bone, if you just continue to play on it, the bone is usually not going to be able to heal itself. So, just got to continue to just fight through."

In a promising turn of events for the 49ers, linebacker Dre Greenlaw has returned to practice after a lengthy absence due to a torn Achilles he suffered in the Super Bowl. The team officially opened Greenlaw's practice window, and he now has 21 days to be activated to the 53-man roster. "It'll be awesome just having him on the field," Coach Kyle Shanahan remarked. "When Dre is around, whether it's on the field or in meeting rooms, he's 100% ball. Everyone loves him around here."

As the team prepares for the Bills, the statuses of several key players remain uncertain. Purdy is slowly recovering from a right shoulder injury, having participated in limited practice—an indication of progress from his previous status. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Trent Williams has been observed using a scooter for his left ankle issue, suggesting he may not practice this week, and Bosa is also on the sidelines but optimistic about his return.

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Warner’s dedication and tenacity exemplify the 49ers' fighting spirit as they head into a crucial stretch of the season. Will the linebacker be able to keep up his stellar performance? Only time will tell as the battle against the Bills draws near!