49ers lose LB Fred Warner for the season

[Auggie]

Fractured ankle. He’s gone.

No Bosa, no pass rush. No Warner, no defense.

🎶 Turn out the lights, the party’s over … 🎶

[ProfessorGAC]

1. I Was Watching Red Zone

When they cut back to him being carted off with an air cast, I knew it was bad.

[calguy]

2. They have the benefit of a weaker schedule, so making the playoffs is still very doable

But I don’t see them going far if they are a playoff team. Then, of course, we don’t know who else will go down with more injuries. At this point’ I’m just hoping to see a competitive team in December.

[Auggie]

3. Maybe, but that defense was built around two key players who are gone for the season

Besides being arguably the best linebacker in the league, Warner also set the defense and assigned coverage -- an on-field, real-time coach. If you caught the game you saw how Mayfield carved up the secondary without a pass rush and weak coverage. Without Warner, Tampa Bay ran with impunity. The look on Saleh's face at the end said it all. Total defeat. Not just the game, but the season.

To compound problems, the 49ers offensive line allowed five sacks. These weren't coverage sacks but blown assignments and/or missed blocks. Holes were few for McCaffery. Jennings and Shanahan got into a sideline shouting match over something. It sure did the feel like the season's turning point to me.

[calguy]

4. I agree and can't argue with any of your points

I’m just saying that the weaker schedule due to last year’s pitiful record helps our playoff chances.

[Auggie]

7. Hey calguy ... you were right

Good call

[True Dough]

5. For the season, but maybe not for the playoffs!?!?

Warner says he's not ruling out playing against Seattle this weekend. Hope that ankle can hold up if he suits up!

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47612119/49ers-fred-warner-not-ruling-return-seahawks

[Auggie]

6. Not according to Shanahan. The conference game maybe, if they make it that far ...

and only limited action. He's doing the walk-through with the team tomorrow to clear away any cobwebs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Or so the team says. Play it close to the vest and keep the other guys guessing.