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49ers Cast Doubt on Fred Warner Playoff Return, Allow Aggressive Rehab

Medical guidance places his timeline beyond the safe window despite his push to return.

Overview

  • General manager John Lynch said team doctors view a postseason comeback as unlikely and the 49ers will follow medical direction on any decision.
  • Warner is rehabbing as if he will play, with Lynch noting daily hyperbaric chamber sessions and constant work at the facility.
  • The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, citing surgeon timelines, estimated return odds at 16% for the wild-card round, 44% for the divisional round, 78% for the NFC title game, and very high for the Super Bowl.
  • Kyle Shanahan previously expressed skepticism about a playoff return, though the club is supporting Warner’s efforts to see where the rehab leads.
  • San Francisco has stayed in the playoff hunt at around 9-4 while its defense has slipped without Warner, prompting short-term moves such as adding Eric Kendricks and leaning on Tatum Bethune.