Fred Warner finally delivered a recovery update that 49ers fans have been waiting to hear. After going down in Week 6 with a serious ankle injury, the All-Pro linebacker has been rehabbing quietly while San Francisco has battled through an uneven stretch. But the recent update revealed that he’ll be off the knee scooter within a week, the clearest sign yet that his healing is moving in the right direction. And with the 49ers riding momentum after a Week 11 win, the timing couldn’t be better.
The X post by The SF Niners shared good news about Warner’s progress: “#49ers LB Fred Warner said he will no longer require the knee scooter in a week, which is a positive indication that he is healing well, via @Graham_SFN.”
#49ers LB Fred Warner said he will no longer require the knee scooter in a week which is a positive indication that he is healing well, via @Graham_SFN pic.twitter.com/o6Zw6zoUBy
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) November 19, 2025
Fred Warner Recovery Progress Gives the 49ers a Lift During a Critical Stretch
Fred Warner
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
San Francisco looked like itself again on November 16, beating the Cardinals 41–22 in a game where the offense finally clicked across all levels. Brock Purdy tore apart Arizona’s backfield, while Christian McCaffrey fired up the running attack; meanwhile, Kyle Shanahan stayed aggressive using complex schemes. Still, despite a solid victory, the defense showed flaws – mix-ups and poor positioning stuck around. That precisely is where Warner’s absence shows up.
The defense has been scrambling to replace his on-field command since the moment he took over, following the loss of Nick Bosa earlier in the year. Young linebackers have taken on more responsibility, and while the effort is there, the cohesion isn’t always. That’s why Warner’s steady progress matters. Getting off the scooter signals he’s entering the phase where players start regaining stability, balance, and controlled movement. It’s a small detail, but for a position built on sudden change-of-direction, it’s a legitimately meaningful step.
Even while sidelined, Warner hasn’t disconnected. As reported on November 15 byPFSN, he launched Real Ones, a film-driven series where he breaks down league trends and quarterback play. It’s kept him mentally sharp and it’s added another layer to how he helps younger defenders understand concepts from the sideline. Some sources also highlighted how he’s been intentionally guiding the linebacker room without babysitting them, letting them learn while stepping in when they need direction.
So what does this progress mean for a potential return? It’s simply too early to know. The optimistic milestones are there, but the 49ers won’t rush the face of their defense. What is clear is that Warner’s influence doesn’t fade just because he isn’t wearing pads. His voice still shapes the unit, his standard still elevates the room, and his football mind still affects Sundays.
And whenever he does make it all the way back, whether this season or beyond, the ripple effect will be immediate.