San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) celebrates a fourth down play against the Denver Broncos to end the game late in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) celebrates a fourth down play against the Denver Broncos to end the game late in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA – Fred Warner has never faced Bijan Robinson on the field, but he has a decent puncher’s chance of knocking the ball from the Falcons running back’s grasp on Sunday when the 49ers visit Atlanta.
That’s not just because Robinson’s 11 fumbles since 2023 are tied for the NFL’s third-most among running backs.
Warner is an expert with his overhand roundhouse: His 20 career forced fumbles, including three this season, are a 49ers record since that became an official stat in 1994. Ronnie Lott is credited with 20 forced fumbles in his 14-year career, and 14 in his 49ers tenure, according to ProFootballReference.com.
While Warner has never consulted with champion boxers for tips, he knows enough about the technique required for his purposes.
“I wouldn’t advise that (punch) to anybody who doesn’t have to practice it on a regular basis,” Warner said. “It’s stopped a lot of guys, even NFL players, from continuing to do it, because all it takes is one bad punch where you land it the wrong way and it jams your wrist or breaks a finger.”
Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman became the face of the move with his “Peanut Punch” that forced 44 career fumbles.
It’s a skill others have failed to land, including CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, who made a painful viral attempt in Sunday’s booth at the Patriots-Raiders game upon an invite from broadcast partner J.J. Watt to demonstrate.
“I did notice that. Poor guy,” Warner said with a chuckle Wednesday.
Nantz didn’t break any bones, nor did he dislodge the ball from Watt.
“It did sting. I’m not going to kid you,” Nantz said Tuesday on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. “… I gave it my best. As soon as I did it, I regretted it because everything felt compressed. I’m fine.”
Warner is lucky to have strong bones, he said, so he hasn’t had to worry about such an injury. A broken right ankle in Tampa Bay last season, however, kept Warner from playing the next game against Robinson and the Falcons.
“People I’m sure are going to make it up all week that it’s me against him, but it’s really a whole defensive effort against a player of that caliber,” Warner said.
Christian McCaffrey also sung Robinson’s “all tools” excellence. And McCaffrey has not forgotten about his “error” Monday night against the Washington Commanders when he fumbled a first-half carry, victimized by a punch that mimicked Warner’s more so than Nantz’s.
EVANS AND WIDEOUTS
Wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles) was among those sitting out Wednesday’s walk-through practice, having left Sunday’s game before halftime because of what Shanahan described as tendinitis that has been managed all season.
Evans walked into the locker room wearing specialized high-top recovery shoes (retail at $800) to manage his Achilles tendinitis; Shanahan gave no indication whether Evans would be rested through next week’s bye.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel remained out of practice because of his Oct. 11 hamstring strain.
Christian Kirk began his second week of practice and is tracking to come off Injured Reserve for his 49ers debut Sunday.
DEFENSIVE END ISSUES
Nick Bosa has not practiced since Sept. 24 — and did not again for Wednesday’s walkthrough — but that could change Thursday, Shanahan said.
Mykel Williams also did not participate after missing the final minute of Monday’s win over Washington. He told this news organization postgame that he came out in Sunday’s final minute because of patellar pain and tenderness in his surgically repaired right knee but that he’s fine. He had no support sleeve on that knee Wednesday while in the locker room.
NEW DAD, SAME B-DAY
Running back Kaelon Black became a father Saturday, and he now shares a birthdate with his son, Kaedyn. He admitted that Monday’s game was a bit emotional for him.
“I have to make sure I’m doing this for him as well,” Black said. “Not only for my pure love of the game, but I have a son now, so it’s time to grind even more and that dad strength kicks in like everybody says. I’m doing it for him and the love.”
EXTRA POINTS
Also out Wednesday were cornerback Upton Stout (shoulder); linebackers Garrett Wallow (hamstring) and Luke Gifford (groin); and safeties Siran Neal (neck) and Marques Sigle (ankle). … Defense tackle Naquan Jones was signed to the practice squad a day after being released from the 53-man roster to make room for Dre Greenlaw’s return from a one-game suspension. … Linebacker Eugene Asante was released from the practice squad.