The 49ers still haven’t ruled out linebacker Fred Warner for the remainder of the season, but they’d have to go a long way into the playoffs to get him back.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Warner won’t return until at least the NFC Championship Game.
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“I think too far Now,” Shanahan said Monday, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “I think it’s possible as we get closer to a possible third game, a championship game. But that’s not what we’re thinking about right now. “
The 49ers suddenly have fewer linebackers.
Warner hasn’t played since dislocating and fracturing his right ankle in Week 6, and his replacement, Tatum Bethune, is now out for the season after suffering a torn groin in a Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. Shanahan said Bethune may need surgery.
Eric Kendricks will now take over.
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“He’s been here long enough,” Shanahan said of his confidence in Kendricks. “He’s been in these games the last few weeks and he’s done a great job and I’m glad we got him in this situation.”
Linebackers Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quadriceps) will be evaluated later this week.
