49ers activate Fred Warner off COVID-19 list

The 49ers got some good news on Wednesday when star linebacker Fred Warner was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list making him eligible to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Warner, 23, was placed on the list Aug. 31. The team cannot say whether Warner tested positive for the coronavirus or if he was exposed by someone close to him. Warner was required to test negative three consecutive days before returning. The 49ers were slated to have their second practice of the week to prepare for the Cardinals on Wednesday.

The 49ers over the weekend trimmed their roster to 52 players while Warner remained on the list. He assumes the empty spot to put the roster at 53.

Warner has quickly become one of the best young inside linebackers in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said the BYU alum had one of the most impressive predraft meetings of any player he’s scouted. Saleh made Warner responsible for relaying Saleh’s play calls and getting his teammates lined up.

Warner has started every game he’s appeared in since getting drafted in the third round in 2018. He was among the team’s best defenders last season, recording 118 total tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception for a touchdown against the Rams last December. He also had an interception of Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.

This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 10:43 AM.