The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers have dealt with more than their 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 appeared in just seven games before an ACL injury forced San Francisco to place the wide receiver on the injured list. Christian McCaffrey missed several games early in the season. Pass rusher Nick Bosa and dual-threat receiver Deebo Samuel also missed time due to injury in 2024.
Fred Warner is a key player who has managed to remain active in each of the Niners' games so far this year. However, the three-time All-Pro linebacker's availability this season has not been without considerable challenges. 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, United States; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levis Stadium. (Images by Kelley L Cox-Imagn)
Warner said he suffered the injury in the first half of a 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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“It's something I deal with every game,” Warner said. “I get on that table before every game and I throw it every game just so I can roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. “You've got to get out there, you've got to get out there. We have to find ways to execute, play at a high level and 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 listed as a limited participant in practice once since suffering the ankle injury. While the injury has likely hampered Warner at times this season, he continues to have a productive season. The star linebacker has 84 tackles and two interceptions on the season.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) celebrates after the 49ers defeated the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game in Santa Clara, California, Sunday, December 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Warner suggested he would be willing to continue playing through the pain this year and acknowledged the low likelihood of the injury healing as he continues to play.
“Any time you break a bone, if you continue to play with it, the bone usually won't be able to heal itself,” Warner said. “So we have to keep fighting.”
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San Francisco has lost its last two games. The Buffalo Bills host the 49ers on December 1.
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