At this point, it is hard to assume anything apart from the San Francisco 49ers being cursed when it comes to injuries. Already without most of their offensive core, including quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the problems are now spreading to the other side of the football as well.
A renaissance under Robert Saleh saw the defense hold up its end of the bargain, becoming the foundation for a 4-1 start to the season. However, one of its best players, and arguably the best linebacker in the entire league, Fred Warner, is the latest to fall victim to the 49ers’ injury curse.
What Happened to Fred Warner?
Going for a tackle in the first quarter itself, Warner and San Francisco were successful in getting a stop on the explosive Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with three members of the defense simultaneously colliding, it was a risky situation.
It immediately became clear that things weren’t okay as Warner grabbed at his right foot, writhing in agony on the field. As he did not get up for a while, eventually the cart was brought in, and he had to be taken off the field.
FRED WARNER HURT. 💔💔
Judging by the Bucs players reaction, it’s very bad.
*Don’t watch if squeamish* #49ers #Bucs pic.twitter.com/2Z7XfhXGnc
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 12, 2025
The reaction from the players, even on the opposition side, immediately tells you all you need to know. It looks like Warner’s leg bent the other way, with his season potentially over.
Press Box Announcement: 49ers’ Fred Warner has an ankle injury — and he has been ruled out for the rest of the game. It is unbelievable how many key injuries this team continues to endure.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 12, 2025
The official announcement came via the press box, as Jeff Darlington of ESPN broke the news on X. “Press Box Announcement: 49ers’ Fred Warner has an ankle injury — and he has been ruled out for the rest of the game. It is unbelievable how many key injuries this team continues to endure.”
The worst fears of the San Francisco fan base, as it turned out, were correct. Dianna Russini of The Athletic made the news official on X, stating, “NEWS: 49ers LB Fred Warner suffered a dislocated right ankle Sunday vs. the Buccaneers, per source. San Francisco’s All-Pro linebacker will meet with doctors to determine how much time he will miss.”
Losing Warner is a devastating blow for an already depleted 49ers team. Entering Week 6, Warner had a 91.7 LB Impact grade, fifth best this season. That was tracking to be a career-best grade for the four-time All-Pro.
San Francisco is already without Nick Bosa, who had the highest EDGE Impact grade prior to his torn ACL. Now the Niners will presumably play the rest of the stretch without both of their superstar front-seven veterans.
A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Warner came into his own at the turn of the decade, earning four Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections since 2020. Moreover, he was also a pillar of consistency for the 49ers, a rarity for the franchise.
Suiting up in every regular-season game since arriving in the league, Warner’s record was spotless, which earned him a three-year extension worth $63 million this offseason, making him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.
