San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, a four-time All-Pro and one of the NFL’s top defensive leaders, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a severe ankle injury during Sunday’s 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 28-year-old dislocated and broke his right ankle in the first quarter after several players collided and landed on his leg. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that Warner will require season-ending surgery.
“Any time you lose one of your best players, also a huge leader, it’s obviously a huge blow,” Shanahan said. “I feel bad for Fred right now. He was in good spirits. He has a good foundation.”
The sight on the field was difficult to watch. As Warner lay injured, nearly the entire 49ers sideline came onto the field to check on him before he was carted off wearing an air cast. Running back Christian McCaffrey called the moment “heartbreaking,” echoing the feelings of teammates and fans alike.
Warner’s injury adds to San Francisco’s growing list of sidelined stars. The team was already without quarterback Brock Purdy, defensive end Nick Bosa, and tight end George Kittle, among others. Despite the setbacks, the 49ers remain tied for first in the NFC West with a 4-2 record.
Over his eight-year career, Warner has been a consistent force in San Francisco’s defense. He has earned first-team All-Pro honors in three consecutive seasons and four of the last five, while also making the Pro Bowl in each of those years. His 947 career tackles are the second-most in franchise history since 2000, trailing only Patrick Willis’ 950.
Remarkably, Warner has been one of the most durable players in the league, missing just one game in his entire career — in 2021 due to a hamstring injury. Even last season, he played through a broken bone in his ankle and still managed to perform at an elite level.
Warner signed a three-year, $63 million extension earlier this year, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season.
“It was sickening,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. “One of the best players in the league and a great guy. That breaks your heart. Hope he has a speedy recovery.”
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