Posted on Jan 15

49ers' Warner out for Seahawks game, targeting NFC Championship return; Kittle ruled out

Posted Jan 15, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers will be without linebacker Fred Warner for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks as he continues his recovery from a fractured and dislocated right ankle.

Why it matters: Warner's absence is significant for the 49ers' defensive strategy, particularly against a divisional rival like Seattle, where stopping the run and covering dynamic receivers is crucial for success.

The 49ers have leaned heavily on Warner’s leadership and playmaking ability in the middle of their defense, which employs a 4-3 scheme that relies on speed and agility to disrupt opposing offenses.
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that while Warner is not ready to play, there is optimism about his potential return for the NFC Championship Game if the team advances.

What’s new: Warner has been recovering since undergoing surgery roughly three months ago. He participated in limited practices recently but was officially listed as a nonparticipant for Thursday's session.

The team's decision to open Warner's 21-day practice window indicates confidence in his progress, although immediate expectations have been tempered.
Other notable injuries include tight end George Kittle, who has been ruled out for the season due to a torn Achilles, highlighting a challenging stretch for the team.

Yes, but: The 49ers' depth at linebacker may help mitigate Warner's absence in the short term, but they will still miss his considerable impact on the field.

Linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are both questionable for the game, adding uncertainty to an already thin position group.
Defensive stalwart Trent Williams emphasized the morale boost that Warner's presence, even in practice, brings to the locker room: "Just having his face in this locker room, it’s motivation. It helps everybody."

What to watch: With several players dealing with injuries, including receivers Ricky Pearsall (questionable) and Ji'Ayir Brown (ruled out), the effectiveness of the 49ers' offensive scheme against the Seahawks will be critical.

The 49ers might need to rely more heavily on their running game and quick passing attack, utilizing the talents of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and other offensive weapons.

The bottom line: As the 49ers prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Seahawks, the health of key players like Fred Warner will ultimately influence their championship aspirations.

While Warner's anticipated return for the NFC Championship Game provides hope, his absence in the present moment underscores the fragility of NFL rosters as teams make their final playoff pushes.

49ers' Warner out for Seahawks game, targeting NFC Championship return; Kittle ruled out

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 15, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers will be without linebacker Fred Warner for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks as he continues his recovery from a fractured and dislocated right ankle.

The 49ers have leaned heavily on Warner’s leadership and playmaking ability in the middle of their defense, which employs a 4-3 scheme that relies on speed and agility to disrupt opposing offenses.

Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that while Warner is not ready to play, there is optimism about his potential return for the NFC Championship Game if the team advances.

The team's decision to open Warner's 21-day practice window indicates confidence in his progress, although immediate expectations have been tempered.

Other notable injuries include tight end George Kittle, who has been ruled out for the season due to a torn Achilles, highlighting a challenging stretch for the team.

Yes, but: The 49ers' depth at linebacker may help mitigate Warner's absence in the short term, but they will still miss his considerable impact on the field.

Linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are both questionable for the game, adding uncertainty to an already thin position group.

Defensive stalwart Trent Williams emphasized the morale boost that Warner's presence, even in practice, brings to the locker room: "Just having his face in this locker room, it’s motivation. It helps everybody."

The 49ers might need to rely more heavily on their running game and quick passing attack, utilizing the talents of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and other offensive weapons.

The bottom line: As the 49ers prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Seahawks, the health of key players like Fred Warner will ultimately influence their championship aspirations.

While Warner's anticipated return for the NFC Championship Game provides hope, his absence in the present moment underscores the fragility of NFL rosters as teams make their final playoff pushes.