Overview
- General manager John Lynch, who said on Dec. 5 a comeback was medically unlikely, now says Warner is ahead of schedule and has reopened the door for a postseason appearance.
- Reporting indicates a potential push to be available for the NFC Championship Game if the 49ers advance, with a limited Super Bowl role viewed as more plausible pending medical clearance.
- The playoffs begin Jan. 10, about 90 days after Warner’s Oct. 12 ankle fracture-dislocation, compared with typical recovery windows of roughly four to six months.
- San Francisco can clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed by winning its final two games against Chicago and Seattle, which would provide a first-round bye and additional recovery time.
- Tatum Bethune has filled in with 76 tackles over 12 games and a mid-pack PFF ranking, underscoring the difference from Warner’s four-time All-Pro impact.