The San Francisco 49ers are inching closer towards the playoffs, having already clinched a postseason berth with two weeks to go. Next up on the docket is the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday Night Football. A win would set up a potential Week 18 matchup for the NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed against the Seattle Seahawks.
Heading into the season, the expectations were lowered for a 49ers team that saw several veterans hit the door this offseason. Then, things looked dimmer after the loss of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to injuries. But, the 49ers have been on a tear recently, winning five games in a row to get to 11-4.
Even with a strong record, there are still questions about what the ceiling for the 49ers is this season, given the team’s youth and issues defensively. However, one question that has been looming is the potential return of Fred Warner, who is battling hard to return from a dislocated ankle injury that was initially perceived as season-ending.
General Manager John Lynch spoke on Warner’s injury, giving some positive feedback and potential hope that the linebacker could be available should the 49ers make a playoff run.
“Fred’s been working incredibly hard,” Lynch said of Warner. “He’s been attacking it in every which way. He’s been making really good progress. I’ve said this consistently. It would be well ahead of the original timeline that we were given. But Fred has the ability to move the doctors.
“Because they are going to put objective measurements out there, ‘Hey, if you can reach these, you can get there,’ and Fred has continually done that. I think it’s made a lot of people reexamine, ‘Hey, would this be possible?’ I think that’s a great thing. So, I’m watching him. I’ve consistently said it, I won’t put anything past him. I think it’s a thing that remains to be seen. I know he’s putting his heart and soul, and his incredible work ethic every day in an effort to do that.”
Well, on Friday, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported that Warner could be available by the NFC Championship Game should the 49ers get there.
“A source told NBC Sports Bay Area that if the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game, Fred Warner could possibly be available to suit up,” Maiocco tweeted.
While being cautious has to be the priority here, Warner’s potential return makes getting the No. 1 seed in the NFC that much more important because it saves the 49ers from playing one extra game to reach the championship.
Should they beat the Chicago Bears this weekend, that would clear the path for them to get the No. 1 seed with a win over Seattle in the final week of the regular season, similar to how it was in 2019. Then, they’d earn the first-round bye, skipping straight to the divisional round with a chance to make the NFC Championship Game with one playoff win.
So, there’s a lot at stake this and next weekend.
