The San Francisco 49ers have already seen nearly all of their top players sidelined this season…except linebacker Fred Warner. But this changed in the first quarter of their week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Warner went down with an ankle injury after being rolled up on a 10-yard run by the Bucs running back, Rachaad White.

Warner was being carted off the field, with the trainers were wrapping his lower right leg. According to Dr. Jesse Morse, the NFL’s injury expert, Warner sustained a right ankle fracture dislocation, which is similar to the Buccaneers’ wide receiver, Chris Godwin. He posted this update on his official X, mentioning Dr. Evan Jeffries’ post that says Warner could be out for the entire year.

If he can’t return, it will be a massive blow ot the San Francisco defense, which is already missing Nick Bosa for the year due to a torn ACL. Dee Winters, Luke Gifford, and Tatum Bethune will carry the linebacker duties for the remaining part of the game. If Warner misses some extra time, the team will then have to rely on rookie Nick Martin, who is inactive on Sunday. Warner is not just one of the top defenders for the 49ers but also one of the best players in the league.

Warner signed a three-year extension deal with the 49ers worth $63 million to become the highest-paid linebacker in the league. Through his five games, the veteran has totaled 50 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. His 28 solo tackles rank fifth-most in the league this season. Losing Warner for any stretch would be a massive blow to the 49ers’ defense.

Prayers poured in for Warner from everywhere

Former 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel shared an uplifting message for the linebacker Fred Warner after the star defender suffered an injury on Sunday. Following the heartbreaking moment, Samuel took to social media to send his support for what’s expected to be a long recovery. “Cmon 54,” Samuel wrote on X. “God gotcha twin.”

Samuel, a 2019 second-round pick by the San Francisco, spent his first six NFL seasons with the 49ers before being traded this offseason. Clearly, he still has plenty of love for his former teammates without any grudges over the trade.

Fans have also been offering their prayers for a speedy recovery of the linebacker. “Prayers for Fred Warner,” a fan wrote on X. “God give him the recovery strength needed.”

“Tough part of sports. Fred is a gem. Prayers for he and family,” another fan wrote sharing his prayers.

“PLS BE ALRIGHT @fred_warner,” another fan extended his prayers.

“Prayers up to Fred Warner,” a fan sends his love for Warner. “Absolutely gutted for him. One of the best & toughest in the game!”

“Prayers up for Fred Warner.” Fred received a lifting prayer from a fan.

While fans have been flooding social media with prayers for Warner, the 49ers once again find themselves rallying around one of their own as one of the most injury-affected franchises in recent years.