5 players 49ers can’t afford to lose to serious injury in 2022
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers linebacker Fred Warner
One of the best things about San Francisco’s All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner is the fact he’s remained almost entirely healthy during his four years at the pro level.
Sure, Warner missed one game with an injury back in 2021. But aside from that, Warner has been a mainstay and defensive captain for the 49ers since being selected in Round 3 way back in 2018.
Yet that’s a reason why any elongated absence would be disastrous.
The Niners’ 2022 linebacker corps is awfully top-heavy. And while San Francisco would feasibly be able to cover for Warner missing significant time with injury, propelling fellow backers like Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair into more prominent roles, what would be missed is the playmaking elements and leadership prowess Warner has continuously displayed since his rookie season.
Simply put, making up for Warner’s team-leading 137 tackles from a year ago would be a tall order.
But, should Warner wind up being absent from the field for any lengthy period of time in 2022, it’s almost guaranteed the 49ers would struggle to replicate that leadership presence in his wake.