One of the NFL’s top defenders — linebacker Fred Warner, the heart and soul of the San Francisco 49ers defense — is out for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Following the 49ers’ 30-19 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Warner suffered a dislocated and broken ankle. It’s a season-ending injury that will require surgery.
“It’s big. I mean, anytime you lose one of your best players, also a huge leader, it’s obviously a huge blow,” Shanahan said. “Feel bad for Fred right now. He was in good spirits, he’s got a good foundation.”
Warner was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg with just under eight minutes left in the first quarter of San Francisco’s game against the Buccaneers. He was later ruled out of the game with an ankle injury.
As the third quarter began in the contest, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Warner suffered a dislocated right ankle and will meet with doctors to discuss a recovery timetable.
It’s the first significant injury for Warner in his pro career.
Warner, the All-Pro linebacker who played collegiately at BYU, has been extremely reliable for the 49ers. According to X user SFdata9ers, Warner has only missed one game due to injury in his eight NFL seasons.
Warner was hurt on a first-and-10 play when he attempted to take down Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, but 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown rolled into the back of Warner’s right ankle at the end of the play.
Last year, Warner revealed in late November that he had played through a fractured ankle he suffered in Week 4.
What could a dislocated ankle mean for recovery time for Warner?
One recent example reveals the potential for Warner to not just be sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 season but perhaps into 2026 as well, depending on the severity of the injury.
In Week 7 last season, Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle and missed the remainder of the season.
He faced an 11-month recovery and returned to action in Week 4 two weeks ago, only to suffer a fibula injury that sidelined him again.