49ers, and Baker Mayfield, pray for Fred Warner

The San Francisco 49ers may have to finish the season without Fred Warner after the star linebacker reportedly dislocated his ankle in the Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Warner carted off with leg in air cast

Warner, the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL this season, was ruled out after being carted off in the early stages with his right leg in an air cast. The 28-year-old’s ankle was rolled on and was “facing the other way,” according to Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NFL and NBA injury insider, who shared details on X.

Injury experts weigh in on Warner’s timeline

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Warner suffered a dislocated ankle in the incident, which raises serious doubts about his availability for the remainder of the season.

Former NFL team doctor David J. Chao and physical therapist Jeff Mueller, who provides fantasy football injury analysis, both believe Warner will not return until the 2026 season. Jeffries, however, has left a small window open, saying it is only “likely” that the 49ers star will be out for the year.

49ers await further tests and medical updates

Warner is expected to meet with doctors in the coming hours to determine the full extent of the injury, how much time he will miss, and the next steps for his recovery.

The 49ers, who are already missing several key players including Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle, will be desperate for positive news regarding Warner, though a lengthy absence appears unavoidable.

Sportsmanship shines in difficult moment

As soon as Warner went down, players on both teams feared the worst. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was visibly affected, taking a knee and praying for his opponent in a powerful display of sportsmanship and compassion amid the intensity of the NFL season.

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