The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers have been plagued by more than their fair share of injuries this season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy missed the Niners' Week 12 game against the Green Bay Packers due to a shoulder injury. Brandon Aiyuk played in just seven games before San Francisco placed the wide receiver on injured reserve due to an ACL injury. Christian McCaffrey missed several games early in the season. Pass rusher Nick Bosa and dual-threat receiver Deebo Samuel will also miss out in 2024 due to injury.
Fred Warner has been one of the key players who has managed to shine in every game for the Niners so far this year. However, the three-time All-Pro linebacker faced several major challenges before he could be successful this season. On Wednesday, Warner revealed that he has been battling a painful ankle injury since late September.
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October 6, 2024. Santa Clara, California, USA. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, 54, after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. (Kelley L Cox-Imagn image)
Warner said he was injured in the first half of the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots. He remained on the Niners' sideline for the second half of the game.
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“That's something I deal with every game,” Warner said. “I get on that table before every game and put up a shot every game just to be able to roll. But that's not an excuse. That's what it is. That's the NFL. You can't be healthy. You've got to go out there and play at a high level and find a way to win every week. ”
FILE – In this May 25, 2021 file photo, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner reaches for the ball during an NFL football practice in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
Warner has only been a limited participant in practice once since his ankle injury. Injuries have slowed Warner down at times this season, but he continues to have a productive season. The star linebacker has 84 tackles and two interceptions this season.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, 54, celebrates after the 49ers defeated the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
Warner has indicated he intends to continue playing through the pain this year, acknowledging that the injury is unlikely to heal as long as he continues to play.
“When you have a fracture and you keep playing on it, the bone usually doesn't heal on its own,” Warner said. “So we have no choice but to keep fighting.”
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San Francisco has lost its last two games. The Buffalo Bills will host the 49ers on December 1st.
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