The San Francisco 49ers have definitely over-performed this season, considering all of the injuries they have dealt with. It felt like the team was cursed considering the top-end talent being sidelined with injuries. Yet, the team was still 4-1 on the year and in first place in the division. The last player they could afford to get hurt was star linebacker Fred Warner. Unfortunately, that's what happened on Sunday afternoon.
In the 49ers' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Warner got rolled up on after safety Ji'Ayir Brown tackled running back Rachaad White. Upon looking at the replay, you could see that warner had suffered a serious right foot injury.
Warner was immediately placed in an aircast as teammates consoled him. Afterward, he was carted off of the field.
Latest Fred Warner injury updates after getting carted off with foot injury
UPDATE (2:20 p.m. PT): The 49ers officially ruled out Warner for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury.
"It sucks losing Fred. We know that," head coach Kyle Shanahan said at halftime.
Warner is not only one of the best players on defense for the 49ers, but he is considered one of the best linebackers in the game today. He's a four-time First-team All-Pro and a four time Pro Bowler.
Simply put, he's so good that the 49ers can't replace his talent. It's bad enough the team already lost Nick Bosa for the rest of the season. That leaves names like Tatum Bethune to step in and try his best to fill in and provide adequate production in place of Warner.
This season, Warner recorded 50 total tackles (28 solo, 22 assisted), two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
If Warner is to miss time, the 49ers will have a much tougher time competing for first place in the division. 49ers fans will be waiting with bated breath to see how much time he could miss.
UPDATE (3:08 p.m. PT): The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Warner suffered a dislocated right ankle. Warner will meet with doctors to determine how long he'll be sidelined.
UPDATE: (4:42 p.m. PT): 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed after the 30-19 loss that Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured ankle. Warner will undergo surgery, which will likely end his season.
UPDATE (Oct. 13): During an appearance on 95.7 The Game, Dr. Nirav Pandya provided his opinion on how much time Warner could miss. Pandya says it really depends on how injured the ligaments are.
"Best case scenario, if the ligaments aren't that badly injured, you fix the bones, you can look at four to five months," said Pandya. "That's being super optimistic. In general, with these injuries, most NFL players land around six months [to return]"
We should get a clearer timeline once Warner undergoes surgery.
We will continue to keep you updated on Warner's status once more details are provided.