Tue Dec 30 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## 49ers’ Fred Warner Aiming for Possible Super Bowl LX Return After Injury
SANTA CLARA, CA – San Francisco 49ers fans may get a glimpse of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner before the end of the 2025 NFL season, according to sources close to the team. While a return for the NFC Championship game is a possibility should the 49ers make it, the more realistic target is Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
Warner suffered an injury requiring surgery on October 14th of 2025, with early estimates calling for a 4-6 month recovery period. Tatum Bethune has stepped up to fill Warner’s role in his absence.
General Manager John Lynch fueled speculation this week, stating on KNBR Radio that a return this season wasn’t out of the question. “I won’t put anything past him,” Lynch said. “He’s putting his heart and soul and his incredible work ethic to work every single day in an effort to do that.”
Warner himself has been actively posting videos of his intensive rehab, showcasing his dedication to getting back on the field. While the team is cautiously optimistic, they acknowledge that any early return would likely be in a limited role to avoid further injury to their star linebacker.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Warner told The Ryen Russillo Show recently, emphasizing his faith and focus on recovery.
A healthy Warner would be a significant boost to the 49ers, as he has been a mainstay on the team since 2018, playing at an elite level and consistently demonstrating exceptional durability before his injury.
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* NFL Coaching: Coaching futures of NFL teams that have already been eliminated from 2025 postseason contention
* Philip Rivers: Philip Rivers’ high school football team in Alabama ahead of the quarterback’s climactic return to the NFL as the Indianapolis Colts’ starter versus the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday
* Tommy Rees: Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees interviewed virtually with Penn State decision-makers
* Mike Tomlin: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin might be facing some criticism from fans for the team’s 6-6 record, but the organization still supports Tomlin
* Deshaun Watson: Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play in 2025, but he is likely to be part of the Browns roster in 2026
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Wide receiver Jalen McMillan set to have his practice window soon and veteran Mike Evans also nearing a return
* Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll’s first season as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders reached a low point after the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly
* Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are entering a best-case scenario when it comes to George Pickens
* Cleveland Browns: Cleveland Browns have prepared Shedeur Sanders for his first career start against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.
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