Final 49ers injury report for Week 5 lends hope to Fred Warner playing
By Peter Panacy
32. Sunday, Oct. 6. 2-2. 42. 4:05 p.m. ET. 1-3. Fox. 49es-Cardinals preview. 49ers -7.5
The 49ers listed two All-Pros as questionable for Week 5 against the Cardinals, including Fred Warner, who'll at least aim to play.
The San Francisco 49ers suffered a notable scare during their Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots.
After a near-first half of MVP-caliber play, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner exited to the locker room with what appeared to be an injury before returning to the sideline in the second half. While still donning his pads and uniform, Warner stayed off the field and didn't play.
Following the game, it was revealed Warner had suffered an ankle injury but was hopeful he'd be cleared in time for the Niners' Week 5 bout at home against the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals.
Tight end George Kittle, too, headed to the locker room early during that game, although he was able to return.
Fortunately, both players were able to take the field for Friday's practice despite not partaking in activities the previous two days.
Updates from head coach Kyle Shanahan after Friday's sessions are optimistic, too.
49ers Week 5 injury report: Fred Warner, George Kittle are questionable, 2 others ruled out
Shanahan included other players on San Francisco's final injury report ahead of Sunday's game:
Player | Injury | Game designation |
|---|---|---|
LB Fred Warner | ankle | questionable |
TE George Kittle | ribs | questionable |
WR Jacob Cowing | shoulder | questionable |
CB Isaac Yiadom | thigh | questionable |
DT Kalia Davis | knee | questionable |
WR Chris Conley | oblique | doubtful |
DE Yetur Gross-Matos | knee | OUT |
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles | calf | OUT |
Related story: How to watch 49ers vs. Cardinals game with and without cable TV
The fact both Warner and Kittle partook in practice on Friday is a good sign. And it's important to remember the "probable" designation for injured players is no more.
However, the 49ers' situation at linebacker is a bit dicey, particularly looking at Flannigan-Fowles' absence. Should Warner reaggravate his ankle to the point of being forced out of Sunday's tilt, rookie backer Tatum Bethune would likely be inserted into the rotation, given the thinness of the position.
Warner's well-known durability should matter, though, as he's missed just one regular-season game because of injury over his exemplary career.
The Niners and Cardinals kick off on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium.
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