The San Francisco 49ers are going up against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, and they're still dealing with a lot of injuries.
While there are concerning injuries the team is dealing with, there has been some hope lately with linebacker Fred Warner. He's practiced off to the side this week, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, and there's been speculation he could play.
But is the All-Pro linebacker playing against the Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs? Despite some encouraging signs lately, the 49ers linebacker is going to have to wait another week before his return to the 49ers.
Fred Warner still not back yet for 49ers
Warner hasn't been activated off of injured reserve just yet, meaning he cannot suit up for the 49ers right now.
He could end up playing for San Francisco at some point in the playoffs, but against the Eagles, he's going to be on the sideline once more.
The 49ers linebacker has been out for most of the year, landing on injured reserve after a Week 6 ankle injury. Months later, and Warner is still not back yet.
But what was once worth considering as a season-ending injury, Warner could end up coming back for the 49ers in the playoffs, just not in the Wild Card.
More: Did Fred Warner confirm he was returning for the playoffs?
In his place, Eric Kendricks is expected to start for the 49ers against the Eagles, thanks in part to normal backup linebacker Tatum Bethune going down with an injury of his own.
Luke Gifford and Dee Winters are also hurt, leaving Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham, Garret Wallow, and Kendricks as the only healthy active linebackers for the 49ers against the Eagles.
Warner and the 49ers will have to wait at least one more week, as they hope they can beat the Eagles without their All-Pro linebacker anchoring their defense.
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