Is Fred Warner playing today? Latest injury update on 49ers’ All-Pro linebacker for Wild Card round

Fred Warner’s name has been popping up ahead of the NFL playoffs and it’s left San Francisco 49ers fans asking the same question: is their All-Pro linebacker finally ready to return? With the 49ers facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round and injuries piling up across the roster even a small sign of progress from Warner was enough to spark hope but despite some encouraging developments this week, the wait is not over yet.Optimism around Warner picked up after reports surfaced that he had been practicing off to the side during the week. The veteran linebacker has been increasing his activity as he continues to rehab his ankle injury. Naturally, that led to speculation about whether Warner could make a surprise return for the playoffs.However, those hopes were always cautious. Side work during practice is not the same as being cleared for game action, especially after a serious injury that kept him out for most of the season.Despite the positive signs, Fred Warner will not play in the Wild Card round against Philadelphia. The 49ers have not activated him off injured reserve which officially rules him out for today’s game. Until that happens, Warner cannot suit up regardless of how encouraging his rehab progress looks.Simply put, the timing isn’t there yet. San Francisco is choosing patience over risk as the playoffs begin.Warner landed on injured reserve following a Week 6 ankle injury, an issue that was initially viewed as potentially season-ending. Months later, he is still working his way back, though the fact that a playoff return is even being discussed shows how far his recovery has come.While Warner could still return later in the postseason if the 49ers advance, the Wild Card round was always considered a long shot.With Warner unavailable, Eric Kendricks is expected to start at linebacker against the Eagles. The situation has been complicated by additional injuries, including Tatum Bethune going down, which has further thinned the unit.Luke Gifford and Dee Winters are also dealing with injuries, leaving Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham, Garret Wallow, and Kendricks as the primary healthy linebackers for San Francisco heading into this matchup.For now, Warner remains sidelined, and the 49ers will attempt to survive the Wild Card round without the anchor of their defense. If San Francisco keeps winning, the door remains open for Warner to make his return later in the playoffs.Until then, the All-Pro linebacker and the fans waiting for him will have to be patient for at least one more week.Also read - Josh Allen injury update: Why Bills fans are anxious and who would replace him if needed