What Happened to Fred Warner? 49ers Star Suffers Season-Ending Injury as Jauan Jennings Battles Broken Ribs

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner has suffered a season-ending injury after dislocating and fracturing his ankle during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12, 2025. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the devastating news, revealing that Warner will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the 2025 NFL season.

The injury occurred early in the game when Warner went down awkwardly during a 10-yard run by Buccaneers running back Rachaad White. Teammates and opponents immediately signaled for medical assistance as trainers rushed onto the field. Warner was placed in an air cast and carted off, later taken to the locker room for evaluation. His absence is a major blow for a 49ers defense already missing star pass rusher Nick Bosa.

Fred Warner’s Season Ends After Dislocated and Fractured Ankle

After the 49ers’ 30-19 loss, Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Warner’s injury is severe enough to end his season. “It’s big anytime you lose one of your best players, also a huge leader,” Shanahan said. “Obviously, a huge blow. I feel bad for Fred right now. He was in good spirits, though. He’s got a good foundation.”

Warner’s loss is a significant setback for San Francisco’s defense. Widely regarded as one of the league’s top linebackers, Warner has been a cornerstone of the team’s defensive unit and a respected captain in the locker room. His leadership, play-calling, and ability to read offenses have been instrumental in the 49ers’ success over recent seasons.

Quarterback Mac Jones expressed the team’s collective heartbreak. “Prayers to Fred and his family,” Jones said. “Fred’s just our team captain, and he’s been the leader of this team for a long time. All you can do is pray for him and know that we have his back.” Running back Christian McCaffrey called the moment “heartbreaking,” adding that Warner is “one of the best players and leaders” he has ever played with.

With Warner sidelined, rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune is expected to step into a larger role. Shanahan emphasized the need for other players to rise to the challenge: “When you lose your better players and your leaders, that’s tough. But it gives opportunities to other guys.”

Jauan Jennings Playing Through Five Broken Ribs and Ankle Injuries

The injury woes for San Francisco don’t end with Warner. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings revealed after the game that he is currently playing through five broken ribs and multiple ankle sprains. Despite the pain, Jennings caught a pass for seven yards and continued to battle on the field.

“Playing with injuries, it’s part of it,” Jennings said. “You got high, low-ankle sprains, you got a shoulder at 20%. You got ribs — five broken ribs. It is what it is. You keep playing, and nobody cares. You keep playing. So, we do.”

Jennings admitted Warner’s injury left him feeling physically ill, saying he needed nausea medicine during the game. “Fred came and talked to us after the game, lifted us up. Next-man mentality, just trying to have his back. I was, personally, nauseous.”

Shanahan confirmed Jennings’ multiple injuries and praised his determination. “Bad ankle, some issues with his ribs, hasn’t had some full-speed practices,” Shanahan said. “I was pumped that he was able to go today, but now he’s struggling to go every week.”

Injuries Challenge 49ers’ Playoff Push

The 49ers, now 4-2 on the season, have faced a mounting injury crisis that could impact their playoff ambitions. Losing both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner — two of their most influential defensive players — is a crushing setback. Shanahan remains hopeful that tight end George Kittle and other injured players can return soon to stabilize the roster.

“We’ve got to find a way to get better everywhere else throughout this year,” Shanahan said, emphasizing resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.

Fred Warner’s injury is one of the most significant blows to the 49ers’ defense in recent memory. As San Francisco regroups without its defensive leader and key players push through pain, the team faces a critical test of depth and determination for the remainder of the 2025 season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Fred Warner?

Fred Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured ankle during the 49ers’ Week 6 game against the Buccaneers and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Q2: Will Fred Warner return this season?

No, Warner will undergo season-ending surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.

Q3: Who will replace Fred Warner on defense?

Rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune is expected to step up in Warner’s absence and take on a larger role in the 49ers’ defense.

Q4: What injuries is Jauan Jennings dealing with?

Jennings revealed he is playing through five broken ribs, high and low-ankle sprains, and a shoulder injury.

Q5: What is the 49ers’ record now?

The 49ers are 4-2 following their 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.