49ers star Fred Warner takes next step toward improbable playoff return

Fred Warner is inching closer and closer to returning to the 49ers.

The team officially opened the injured linebacker’s practice window on Tuesday, and he’ll now be able to participate in San Francisco’s on-field, postseason workouts.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said following the move that the 29-year-old will not play in the 49ers’ Divisional Round matchup on Sunday against the Seahawks, but if they advance to the NFC Championship Game, there’s a chance Warner could suit up then.

“He’ll walk through out there with us today and things like that,” Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday. “But hoping he can be ready for next week.”

Warner dislocated and broke his ankle during an October matchup with the Buccaneers. He had surgery days later, and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.

He’s, though, worked tirelessly to return, and after he posted some rehab video to his Instagram page on Monday, injured Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill was clearly impressed by all the progress he’s made.

“Fred Warner,” Hill wrote in a message to the Niners defender on X, “who your trainers.”

Prior to the injury, Warner had started six games and logged 51 combined tackles.

In his eight years with the 49ers, he’s made four All-Pro teams.

He said on a recent episode of the “The Ryen Russillo Show” he is “ready whenever” the Niners are.