Fred Warner gets promising injury update for potential 49ers' playoff return

The San Francisco 49ers have been without All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner since October due to a dislocated and broken ankle.

Though Warner was expected to miss the rest of the year, the veteran has been excelling in his rehab and has a chance of returning for the playoffs. Additionally, we got a promising update on Warner's status from 49ers practice on Thursday.

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Warner was seen doing some work on the side during practice. He was also seen doing short sprints, signaling that his recovery is going well.

"For the first time during practice today, #49ers LB Fred Warner was doing some work on the side. Warner did some short sprints then sat down during portion open to media," Wagoner said on X.

Warner won't play on Sunday as San Francisco will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to square off against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, with Warner back at practice and doing some work, it's a great sign that he could be gearing up for a playoff return.

If the 49ers defeat the Eagles, they would likely get matched up with the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, unless the Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears on wild-card weekend.

Getting Warner back for a potential rematch with Seattle would be a major boost for San Francisco. Nevertheless, the 49ers have to take care of business in Philadelphia first to set the course for a possible Warner return.