Update: The 49ers have officially opened Fred Warner's 21-day practice window, suggesting a divisional-round return from injury is possible.
On one hand, if All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner hadn't suffered his brutal broken ankle way back in Week 6, the San Francisco 49ers wouldn't have somehow turned veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks into a Wild Card hero for his exceptional pass breakup in the waning seconds of the victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
On the other, there's no world in which Warner wouldn't be welcomed back onto the field at the soonest possible opportunity.
According to Warner, he's ready to go.
This is obviously the news Niners fans have been so desperately wanting to hear. After originally being told the All-Pro's injury would be of the season-ending variety, the fact Warner is even in position to make a return this season is unbelievable.
Well, almost unbelievable. This is the best linebacker in the game we're discussing here, and if anyone could attack recovery with the same vigor as playing defense, it's Warner.
And, by the sound of it, San Francisco's defensive leader is just waiting for the green light.
Fred Warner announces 'I'm ready' to rejoin 49ers
Speaking on DraftKings' Ryen Russillo Show, Warner was asked about his recovery and if there was any estimation for when he'd be ready to take the field again.
Fred Warner provides an update on his injury pic.twitter.com/6EOuEqtvyf
— The Ryen Russillo Show (@TheRyenRussillo) January 11, 2026
"I'm ready whenever they're ready," Warner declared. "There's some Ts that've got to be crossed, Is that have to be dotted. Unfortunately, if it were just up to me, I'd be out there [against Philadelphia]. But unfortunately, it's not that way. I've got to be sure I'm checking all the boxes and everybody has to give me the OK."
Still, that's awfully encouraging. And to back it up, Warner posted a video of him doing some intense field work at the practice facility outside Levi's Stadium.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been cautiously optimistic about Warner's return, not calling it imminent but also not ruling anything out.
But, with the 49ers advancing beyond Philly to secure a date against the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, they've afforded Warner the incredible opportunity to actually make a return this season after being ruled all but out until the start of the 2026 campaign.
And maybe he's given the green light to return in the next few days.
Incredible.