The San Francisco 49ers have been missing their linebacker Fred Warner, and his absence has been visible even in the team’s recent good performances. Following the team’s rising graph amid 3 back-to-back wins, the linebacker dropped a positive update on his recovery process. But as a follow-up to the update, GM John Lynch recently turned down the expectations, releasing a statement on his comeback.

“It’s a stretch to foresee him coming back, but I don’t put anything past Fred Warner,” Lynch said, as reported by OurSF49ers on X (formerly Twitter).

The statement from the GM came after Fred Warner updated fans with a major report on his injury recovery. The linebacker shared encouraging progress and rehab photos on social media that show him working toward a full comeback after a serious ankle injury this season.

The update came through his Instagram account, where he teased progress in his recovery process, showing parts of his workout routine and steps he’s taking in rehab. The carousel of images showcased his swimming session, during which the 29-year-old looked good, especially with his injured foot.

Warner suffered his injury on October 12, 2025, during the 49ers’ Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He fractured and dislocated his right ankle early in the first quarter and was carted off the field, and couldn’t plan a return since then. While the team has been holding well, his sudden exit turned out to be a major blow.

Before the injury, Warner had been one of San Francisco’s leading defenders, powering up the 49ers’ defense with 50 tackles on the season before being sidelined. The injury occurred while attempting a tackle when his ankle was rolled up on in a routine play.