The San Francisco 49ers’ string of bad luck continued during Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, with star linebacker Fred Warner suffering a gruesome injury in a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Warner was immediately placed in an air cast before he was loaded on a cart and taken to the locker room.
It was immediately clear that Warner would not return to the game, and now we know his official diagnosis that will end his season.
MORE: NFL teams with the most injured players through Week 6
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Warner suffered a dislocated and broken ankle.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the devastating news during the post-game press conference.
“It’s big. Anytime you lose one of your best players, also a huge leader. So obviously it’s a huge blow,” Shanahan said when speaking to the media.
MORE: Lions HC Dan Campbell extremely disappointed with ‘inexcusable’ incident after Chiefs game
“Feel bad for Fred right now. He’s in good spirits. He’s got a good foundation. We have a lot of faith in Tatum Bethune. He’s the next man up and he’s gonna have to do it throughout the year.”
Kyle Shanahan on losing Fred Warner:
“It’s big. Anytime you lose one of your best players, also a huge leader. So obviously it’s a huge blow. Feel bad for Fred right now. He’s in good spirits. He’s got a good foundation. We have a lot of faith in Tatum Bethune. He’s the next man… pic.twitter.com/pZnXyR5AZ0
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) October 12, 2025
This season, Warner recorded 51 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. It’s a brutal blow for a defense that was already without former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Up next for the 49ers is a primetime showdown against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 on Sunday Night Football.
GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
NFL: NFL Coverage Map, Week 6: What game is on in your area on Sunday?
NCAAF: College football 2025: 3 biggest headlines from Week 7
NBA: League insider warns Lakers that LeBron James will evaluate team during absence
SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith pushes for Becky Hammon to take next step toward NBA sidelines
VIRAL: Paolo Banchero shuts down fan asking for extra points in viral preseason moment