49ers' Fred Warner Reveals He Would Have Played in NFC Championship Game

Linebacker says he was ready to return from injury to face the Rams

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:47pm

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San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner revealed that he would have been available to play in the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams if the 49ers had advanced that far in the 2025 NFL playoffs. Warner suffered a serious right ankle injury in Week 6 but was nearing a return when the 49ers were eliminated from the postseason.

Why it matters

Warner's potential return would have provided a major boost to the 49ers' defense as they faced off against the rival Rams in a high-stakes playoff game. The 49ers' early playoff exit was a disappointment after the team's strong regular season, and Warner's comments provide insight into how close he was to rejoining the lineup.

The details

Warner told the 'St. Brown Podcast' that he would have "put the belt to the Rams" if the 49ers had reached the NFC Championship. The four-time All-Pro linebacker suffered the ankle injury in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery, but the 49ers had opened his 21-day practice window ahead of the divisional round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, which they lost 41-6.

  • In Week 6, Warner suffered a serious right ankle injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • After the 49ers' wild card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the team opened Warner's 21-day practice window.
  • The 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs with a 41-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round.

The players

Fred Warner

A four-time All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers who was nearing a return from a serious ankle injury when the team was eliminated from the 2025 NFL playoffs.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

A wide receiver for the Detroit Lions who interviewed Warner on the 'St. Brown Podcast'.

Equanimeous St. Brown

A former wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who also appeared on the 'St. Brown Podcast' with Warner.

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What they’re saying

“I would have been out there in the NFC Championship putting the belt to the Rams, but that's all for next year.”

— Fred Warner (St. Brown Podcast)

What’s next

The 49ers will look to bounce back in the 2026 season with a healthy Fred Warner anchoring their defense.

The takeaway

Warner's comments provide a tantalizing 'what if' scenario for 49ers fans, as the team's defense likely would have been bolstered by his return in the playoffs. The early exit was a disappointment, but the 49ers will aim to build on their strong 2025 campaign with Warner leading the way in 2026.