**Fred Warner Plays Through Pain As 49ers Prepare for Upcoming Game**

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Despite the roster of star players like quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle missing games this season due to injuries, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner has remained a constant presence on the field. However, Warner disclosed for the first time on Wednesday that his participation has come at a personal cost as he has been enduring a fractured bone in his ankle since a game against the New England Patriots on September 29.

Warner's resilience will be tested once again this Sunday as the 49ers face the Buffalo Bills, marking the eighth consecutive game he'll play with the injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner said. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. You've got to go out there, you've got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level, and to win every single week."

The injury originally occurred in the first half against the Patriots, during which Warner had already logged seven tackles and an interception for a touchdown on just 27 snaps. Although he did not play in the second half, Warner had hoped to recover quickly. His optimism saw him return to practice on a limited basis before the Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals, where he still managed to finish with 12 tackles.

Since then, Warner has managed to be a full participant in practices leading up to games, even though the injury has affected him at times. This season, he has accumulated 84 tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. However, Warner doubts that his ankle will heal by the end of the season, acknowledging that continuous play on a fractured bone prevents proper healing.

The 49ers are also anticipating a morale boost with linebacker Dre Greenlaw returning to practice on Wednesday. Greenlaw, who has missed the first 11 games recovering from a torn left Achilles sustained in the Super Bowl, now has a 21-day window to prove his readiness to be activated to the 53-man roster.

"As the team starts prepping for Buffalo, the status of several key players including Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa remains uncertain. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about Greenlaw's return, noting his 100% commitment to the team. Purdy was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, indicating improvement from the previous week.

Other notable absences from practice included running back Christian McCaffrey and guard Aaron Banks. Players like defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir were also missing from the session. Guard Dominick Puni, Dre Greenlaw himself, and defensive tackle Kevin Givens along with Purdy were limited participants.

As the week progresses, 49ers fans and the team alike will closely monitor the status of these key players, especially Warner, whose determination and resilience exemplify the relentless spirit expected in the NFL.