The San Francisco 49ers are still standing in the NFC playoff bracket, but the margins have narrowed with every injury that has piled up across their roster. With the 49ers now forced to travel as a lower seed and lean on depth players in critical roles, the health of their defensive core has quietly become one of the most important variables in their Super Bowl pursuit.
Frank Gore Hints at a Key Return as 49ers Push Deeper into Playoffs
During a Monday appearance on Emmanuel Acho’s “SpeakEasy,” 49ers legend and current personnel advisor Frank Gore was asked whether linebacker Fred Warner would be available this week. “I think we gotta win this one,” Gore said.
The 49ers face Seattle in the Divisional Round, and Gore’s phrasing suggested that Warner’s availability is not tied to this weekend, but to what could follow. If San Francisco advances, the NFC Championship Game appears to be the internal target for Warner’s return.
Gore’s comment fits with what head coach Kyle Shanahan has been saying. After San Francisco’s win over Philadelphia, Shanahan was asked about Warner being formally designated to return before the Divisional Round on “95.7 The Game.” “Not very high,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan has previously pointed to the conference championship as the most realistic timeline for Warner, and Gore’s words shared that belief. FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer added more clarity before the Eagles game, reporting that Warner has surpassed all of his rehab benchmarks following a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 6.
“Anybody else, I’d say absolutely not,” Glazer said. “But Fred Warner has blown past all his rehab markers. If they get to the NFC Championship Game, they’re holding out hope. They think there could be a chance that Fred Warner could actually go in that game.”
Why Fred Warner’s Potential Return Could Swing the Playoff Picture
Warner’s absence has been felt across every layer of San Francisco’s defense. The four-time All-Pro is the unit’s signal-caller, responsible for lining up teammates, adjusting coverages, and controlling the middle of the field.
In his absence, San Francisco has leaned on veteran Eric Kendricks to stabilize the linebacker group, and his impact is evident. Kendricks delivered the defining moment of the 49ers’ Wild Card upset in Philadelphia, breaking up Jalen Hurts’ fourth-and-11 pass to Dallas Goedert with 43 seconds left to seal the win. His journey back to San Francisco was unlikely after backing out of a deal with the team a year ago, but he has now become central to their playoff survival.
With fellow linebacker Tatum Bethune also injured after a Week 18 groin injury, Kendricks stepped into a leading role alongside Garret Wallow. The duo combined for 21 tackles while holding the middle of the field against one of the league’s most physical offenses.
Before his injury, Warner was producing at his usual elite level. In just six games this season, he recorded 51 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and three passes defended. Across his career, he has topped 110 combined tackles in every full season and forced four fumbles in both 2023 and 2024. He ranks 10th in PFSN’s LBi.
San Francisco’s path is difficult. They must go through Seattle on the road just to reach the NFC Championship Game, where Warner’s return could suddenly become a reality.
