Fred Warner’s Season Ends With Devastating Ankle Injury as 49ers Face Yet Another Setback

The San Francisco 49ers’ injury woes grew Sunday as four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner dislocated and fractured his right ankle, ending his season. Warner went down midway through the first quarter during a 30–19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stunning his teammates.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Warner needs season-ending surgery. “He’s a top player and huge leader,” Shanahan said. “It’s a massive blow. I feel awful for Fred.”

The injury occurred with 7:48 left in the first quarter as Tampa Bay’s Rachaad White ran off left tackle for 10 yards. When Warner closed in, safety Ji’Ayir Brown’s legs unintentionally struck Warner’s ankle. Warner collapsed, clutching his leg, while teammates signaled to medical staff. CBS limited replays due to the severity of the injury.

Brown was visibly shaken after the game, saying seeing Warner hurt “was draining.” “He’s the guy who doesn’t go down,” Brown said, voice breaking. “It drained the stadium. Everybody felt it.”

Warner, 28, was fitted with an air cast and carted off as players from both teams knelt nearby. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings said he was “sick to his stomach” watching such a durable defender in pain. Left tackle Trent Williams called it “a gut punch,” adding, “Fred is the heart and soul of this team. When you see someone like that go down, it’s hard to stay focused.”

For a player known for toughness, this is a rare interruption. Since 2018, Warner has missed only one game (2021, hamstring) and played on a broken ankle last season. He was on pace Sunday to break Patrick Willis’ franchise record for career tackles before the injury ended that pursuit.

The 49ers regrouped and put second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune in Warner’s spot. Bethune led the team with 10 tackles. “You prepare as a starter for moments like this,” Bethune said. “It’s unfortunate for Fred, but everyone’s got a job.”

Even while carted off, Warner urged teammates to keep fighting. He stayed at Raymond James Stadium and addressed the locker room afterward. “There’s a lot of football left and a lot we can still accomplish,” he told the team, according to linebacker Luke Gifford.

Opponents also felt the impact. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield opened his postgame press conference with support for Warner, while Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said, “He’s one of the best players in the league and a great guy. You hate to see that happen.”

Warner’s injury adds to a long 49ers list. The 49ers (4–2) have already lost Nick Bosa to an ACL tear and are missing tight end George Kittle (hamstring), quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), and receivers Ricky Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jennings, who has played through broken ribs and ankle sprains.

“Everyone knows it’s hard losing your best players and leaders,” Shanahan said. “It’s huge with Nick and now Fred. Others have to step up.”

The 49ers will look to Bethune and a rotating group of backups to anchor a defense missing its two key figures. Warner’s leadership and play defined San Francisco’s defense for nearly a decade. Now, that identity faces its toughest test.

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