Getty
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after being injured during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers were dealt another blow Sunday when linebacker Fred Warner exited in the first quarter of their 30-19 loss with a season-ending right ankle injury.
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that Warner had dislocated and fractured his ankle, requiring surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers is carted off of the field after being injured during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
When was Fred Warner Injured?
The injury occurred with just under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On a first-and-10 from Tampa Bay’s 36-yard line, running back Rachaad White ran off left tackle for a 10-yard gain. Warner appeared to stop White, but as he attempted the tackle, Niners safety Ji’Ayir Brown collided with the back of Warner’s right ankle.
#49ers Fred Warner – Video + air cast = highly concerning for fracture
If so, typically surgery + out for season
Return Wk 1 of ’26 projected w/o performance hit pic.twitter.com/OxMTlcA7le
— Deepak Chona, MD. SMA (@SportMDAnalysis) October 12, 2025
Brown immediately recognized the severity of the injury, while Warner’s teammates quickly dropped to their knees with hands on their heads as San Francisco’s medical staff rushed to his side.
Within minutes, Warner was taken off the field on a cart. His right foot and ankle were stabilized in an air cast as teammates offered well wishes before he was escorted to the locker room.
Before the injury, Warner was on the verge of surpassing Hall of Famer Patrick Willis’ franchise record for career tackles, needing just five more to reach the milestone.
Second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune entered the game in Warner’s place.
The Niners Have Lost Nearly All There Top Players to Injuries
Warner’s injury adds to the mounting list of setbacks for the 49ers, who nonetheless hold a 4-2 record.
San Francisco lost defensive end Nick Bosa to a season-ending torn ACL in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals and has been without key contributors at various times, including tight end George Kittle (hamstring), quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), and receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee), Brandon Aiyuk (knee), and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder).
Despite the injuries, the Niners have a top 5 offensive rank in total yards per game, while they are in the middle of the pack on the defensive side of the ball.
Mac Jones Couldn’t Deliver Win This Time
Mac Jones has at times played well while filling in for Purdy. On Sunday, he made some mistakes against Bucs, who are playing at an elite level to start the 2025 NFL season.
The 49ers were threatening to tie the game when Jones threw an interception to Jamel Dean on fourth-and-5 from the Buccaneers’ 33-yard line with just under six minutes remaining.
The turnover set up Chase McLaughlin’s 45-yard field goal, pushing Tampa Bay’s lead to 30-19.
Battling knee and oblique injuries, Jones finished with 347 passing yards and two interceptions, marking his first loss in four starts filling in for Purdy.
“Obviously didn’t play my best,” Jones said postgame. “I’m proud we went out there and fought. I just want to go out there and practice and see what I can do better.”
Next week, the Niners host the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football,” Oct. 19.
Drake Bentley is an award-winning investigative journalist and breaking news reporter for Heavy, covering football, basketball, legal affairs and entertainment. Drake has covered sports, including the NBA Finals, NFL Draft, and major trending stories, since 2019. More about Drake Bentley
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