49ers’ defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made a surprising admission on Fred Warner’s injury status

The San Francisco 49ers have been the most injury-plagued team in the NFL through the first six weeks of the new campaign, but their most recent injury may end up being their most devastating. In Week 6, star linebacker Fred Warner suffered a dislocated and broken ankle, which is almost certainly going to hold him out for the rest of the season.

Warner is just the latest player that the Niners will have to find a way to replace, as he is leaving a big hole at the center of the defense. However, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh‘s latest comments, it sounds like Warner isn’t giving up on the 2025 season just yet, which could eventually lead to a shocking development.

Robert Saleh Reveals Fred Warner Attempting to Return for 49ers in 2025

Over the past few years, Warner has turned himself into perhaps the most effective middle linebacker in the league. Warner has earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team honors in four of the past five seasons, as he’s been at the center of some dominant defenses with San Francisco during that time.

Warner was off to another hot start for the 49ers through six games, racking up 51 tackles, three pass deflections, and two fumbles forced during his time on the field. Everything came to a screeching halt when he suffered his aforementioned serious injury, though, and it seemed like his season was over.

For all intents and purposes, that is still the case, as recovering from the sort of injury Warner suffered takes several months. Saleh left the door open for Warner to return, though, saying it’s in the former third-round pick’s nature to do everything in his power to get himself back on the field in the event the team finds its way into the postseason.

“He still has so many more years left in the tank,” Saleh said of Warner on Thursday. “For this season to end the way it did, just shameful. But at the same time, I know if we all know Fred, he’s probably gunning to see if he can make it back for a playoff run. So, he’s in great spirits. Surgery went great. He’s going to be around the building, I’m sure he’ll be here the entire time, but I hurt more for Fred than anything else.”

BREAKING: 49ers DC Robert Saleh Issues Stunning Update on Star Linebacker, Prompting a Tough Coaching Decision Ahead of Week 7👇 pic.twitter.com/0xIA6uS1Pz

— Adam Schetefr (@CCherry54488) October 18, 2025

Could Fred Warner Actually Return for the 49ers in the Playoffs?

GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers is carted off of the field after being injured during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Considering how it’s already the middle of October, Warner would likely have to make an incredibly quick turnaround in order to even give himself a shot at getting back on the field for the Niners. If there’s anyone who could do it, though, it’s Warner, and if San Francisco ends up managing to go on a deep playoff run, that could further incentivize him to speed up his injury rehab.

Ultimately, San Fran isn’t going to rush Warner back into action if he isn’t ready, but the team isn’t going to close the door on him returning if he ends up blazing through his injury rehab process. First, the 49ers need to actually get to the postseason, and they will look to get back in the win column when they take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.