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The San Francisco 49ers' defense was dealt a pair of devastating blows earlier in the season after both linebacker Fred Warner and edge rusher Nick Bosa sustained significant injuries.
Bosa suffered a torn ACL all the way back in Week 3, while Warner sustained a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6.
While both players were expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign due to their injuries, there is hope that the Niners can get Warner back at some point in the playoffs.
Here's the latest update on both players.
Will Fred Warner return for playoffs?
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Warner is ahead of schedule in his recovery from the dislocated and broken ankle and there is a chance he can make it back by the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl if the Niners can make it that far.
However, Rapoport and Garafolo note that Warner would likely be limited if he does make it back, and his return would likely put him at risk of further injury.
"Sources informed of Warner's situation say there is a chance that Warner's rehab could be going well enough for him to make a cameo in the NFC Championship Game if San Francisco is a participant or more likely Super Bowl LX, should it win the conference title," Rapoport and Garafolo wrote. "And even then, it would likely be in spot duty. Any early return might put him at risk of further injury."
Even if Warner is limited upon his return, it would still amount to a massive boost for the Niners to have one of their team leaders back deep in the playoffs.
Now, the 49ers just have to hold up their end of the bargain.
Will Nick Bosa return for playoffs?
No, Bosa won't be back for the postseason under any circumstances.
A torn ACL typically has a nine-month recovery timeline, which means Bosa isn't likely to be cleared until about June.
The good news is, that puts him on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
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