Standout linebacker Fred Warner was eliminated in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers’ Sunday Night Football contest at the Buffalo Bills.

According to the 49ers, Warner was deemed questionable to return with cramps and was taken to the San Francisco locker room for further evaluation.

In a positive update, Warner returned to the field for San Francisco shortly thereafter.

Fred Warner has just returned to the field from the locker room. Jalen Graham goes to the sideline.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 2, 2024

Warner has been a struggler for the 49ers this season. Earlier this week, Warner announced that he has been dealing with a broken ankle since San Francisco’s win against the New England Patriots on September 29th.

The 49ers desperately need Warner on the field to try to contain the Bills’ rushing attack. At halftime on Sunday night, Buffalo leads San Francisco 21-3. Bills running back James Cook had nine runs for 101 rushing yards in the first half and Buffalo recorded 142 rushing yards.

Entering this contest in Week 13, Warner had recorded 84 tackles, four forced fumbles and one sack.

San Francisco entered Sunday night’s game without defensive end Nick Bosa, defensive lineman Jordan Elliott, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

Star 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey also left the first half against the Bills with a knee injury and was listed as questionable to return.