:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67321130/usa_today_14755503.0.jpg)
The San Francisco 49ers have placed linebacker Fred Warner on their Covid-19 injured reserve list. The Covid-19 IR list is used for players who have tested positive for Covid-19 OR are quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person. The team is not allowed to disclose the specifics for why a player was placed on the list.
Warner is a stalwart on the 49ers defense, serving as the team’s MIKE middle linebacker. He’s one of the best in the division and across the league in his work, with one opposing coordinator saying he sets the tone for a strong linebacker corps.
The 49ers’ season opener is 13 days away. We won’t know Warner’s availability until he is removed from the IR list due to the lack of transparency on specifics. Warner could say something himself, but until then it’s mostly wait and see.
Warner’s presence will be critical in Week 1 when the 49ers host the prolific Arizona Cardinals offense. San Francisco will remain favored in the game without Warner, but they would strongly prefer he be present.