Fred Warner Eyes Return In NFC Championship Game After Breaking His Ankle In Week 6
Fred Warner is making headlines as he tries to get back on the field to return in the playoffs, as San Francisco heads to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. After breaking his ankle in Week 6 against the Buccaneers, he was seen practicing yesterday with a helmet, moving well in drills.
Warner Is Back At Practice
Yesterday, footage of Warner participating in drills and moving at an incredible pace went absolutely viral. Heading into the week, the chances of him returning to the field were low, but his progress over the last couple of days is highly encouraging. The decision to activate Fred Warner has been made, and he will not play. Warner said he’s taking things day by day:
“We’re taking it day-by-day. I think they said last week that they weren’t going to open my window, and my window is now open. So we’re just taking it day-by-day.”
There are a ton of encouraging signs for Warner to return if the 49ers can pull off the upset. He’s looked wildly unaffected by injury at practice and even yelled to reporters about how good he looked. Kyle Shanahan also never firmly ruled him out if they advance, giving him a real chance to return. The offense has to be better than the last time out against Seattle in Week 18, because the defense will most likely not be able to contain Jaxon Smith-Njigba and their elite running game for all four quarters. Brock Purdy will need to step up and perform as he did in the clutch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
His Comeback Would Be Legendary
If he does, in fact, return for the playoffs, he would be joining some elite company in franchise history. In 1997, Jerry Rice tore his ACL in Week 1 in Tampa, just like Fred Warner this year. Rice ended up returning in an unbelievable three and a half months later in Week 16. While he did re-injure his knee with a patella fracture, it was still a fantastic comeback story that is cemented in history. The same thing can be said about Terrell Owens’ incredible comeback in 2004.
During the 2004 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Terrell Owens suffered a grueling injury against the Dallas Cowboys in December. A horse collar tackle by safety Roy Williams led to Owens spraining his ankle and fracturing his fibula in his right leg. He beat a 10-week return prognosis in just 7 weeks, and absolutely tormented the Patriots’ secondary in the Super Bowl. Owens played 62 of 72 offensive snaps and caught nine passes for 122 yards. His surgeon wouldn’t clear him to play against New England, but he proved everyone wrong on the biggest stage possible.
Even if the 49ers don’t make a Super Bowl run, it is still an incredible story that Warner is in bright spirits, doing everything he can to support his team and get back on the field. He was officially ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Seahawks, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said he feels good about Fred’s availability if the 49ers win.
The 49ers Are Getting Back Key Pieces
Outside of Fred Warner, several players have returned this week. WR Ricky Pearsall is back after missing last week’s game, which is enormous when you consider how many injuries they’ve had to their offensive playmakers this season. George Kittle has undergone a successful surgery and is doing well as his road to recovery officially begins.
Pearsall is questionable alongside LB Dee Winters, who would be a massive addition to the middle of the field for Robert Saleh. A lot of people are quick to rule out San Francisco and say they have no chance against Seattle on Saturday. Everyone said the same thing last week, and there was no chance that San Francisco would upset the Eagles on their home turf. Kyle Shanahan has to be sharp and out-coach Mike McDonald, which he is more than capable of.
