Could Fred Warner make it back in time for the 49ers' playoff push?
Fred Warner’s season was supposed to end the moment he went down with a dislocated and fractured ankle in October.
Instead, the All-Pro linebacker has turned his rehabilitation into one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL postseason, giving the 49ers reason to at least consider the unthinkable.
Two realities continue to define Warner’s situation.
First, his recovery has progressed far faster than initially expected. Second, any return during the 2025 postseason remains a long shot, even if it is no longer off the table.
The gap between those two truths is where optimism has quietly begun to grow inside the organization.
According to sources familiar with the process, Warner’s rehab has consistently exceeded medical projections.
That progress has sparked internal conversations about whether he could contribute in a limited capacity should San Francisco advance deep into the playoffs.
The NFC Championship Game has been floated as a possible checkpoint, but a more realistic scenario would involve Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, assuming the 49ers win the conference title.
Even then, any role would likely be brief and carefully managed.
Still, Warner himself is aiming higher. He has reportedly told teammates that he is targeting a return as early as the Divisional Round.
This goal underscores his confidence and competitive drive, even if medical clearance remains a significant hurdle.
Warner has documented much of his journey publicly, posting videos of pool workouts, weight training, and martial arts drills.
The visuals have only reinforced the idea that his recovery is not typical. While the team remains cautious, Warner’s progress has forced everyone involved to reconsider what might be possible.
The timing could matter. The playoffs begin Jan. 10, exactly 90 days after Warner suffered the injury in a loss to Tampa Bay that dropped San Francisco to 4–2.
Since then, the 49ers have surged, winning seven of their last nine games and reasserting themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
A first-round bye, if secured, would provide valuable extra recovery time and open up the doors for a serious return for the 49ers' defensive captain.
In recent news from San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami, Warner has already began informing teammates that there is a big possibility that he could return in time for the 49ers Divisional Playoffs game.
As the 49ers finish off their season at home against Seattle this weekend, the team will be playing with a different swagger, as they now know their defensive captain could be on the way back.