Tampa – The San Francisco 49ers’ tough luck with injuries struck again Sunday, as star linebacker Fred Warner went down with a season-ending ankle injury during their 30–19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The matchup between the NFC’s final two 4–1 teams was billed as one of the weekend’s most anticipated games, but the 49ers’ momentum was derailed by Warner’s devastating setback, continuing a troubling trend for a team already plagued by injuries this season.
“He’s one of our bst players, also a huge leader, so obviously, a huge blow,” said an emotional Kyle Shanahan.
Warner suffered a dislocated right ankle and did not return to the game. He was carted off the field as his teammates knelt in disbelief, a somber scene that underscored his importance to the team. Warner had battled through a fractured ankle for much of last season, missing only one game despite the injury. Now, he will require season-ending surgery.
Warner, team captain and the heart of the 49ers’ defense. Known for his leadership and relentless play, Warner’s absence will be deeply felt throughout the locker room. The injury adds to San Francisco’s growing list of setbacks, Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL, Brandon Aiyuk is sidelined with a knee injury, Brock Purdy is recovering from a toe issue, George Kittle is battling a hamstring strain, and Rickey Pearsall is nursing a knee injury.
To add to the 49ers’ woes, quarterback Mac Jones completed 27 of 29 passes for 347 yards but threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. San Francisco’s lone touchdown came from Christian McCaffrey, who punched in a one-yard run in the second quarter. McCaffrey finished with 17 carries for 54 yards and one touchdown, along with seven receptions for 57 yards. He also made history, becoming the first running back in NFL history to record 50 or more receiving yards in each of his team’s first six games of a season.
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro remained a bright spot for the 49ers, converting all four of his field goal attempts from 52, 54, 42, and 29 yards. Since joining the team in Week 2, Piñeiro has been flawless, making his first 15 field goals, tying Robbie Gould’s franchise record for the most consecutive makes to start a season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck first after 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted by Kindle Vildor at the San Francisco 25-yard line. The turnover set up a short drive capped by Rachaad White’s two-yard touchdown run, giving Tampa Bay an early 7–0 lead. The Buccaneers stayed aggressive on both sides of the ball, scoring in every quarter. Sean Tucker added a nine-yard rushing touchdown, while quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with Kameron Johnson on a 34-yard score.
By the third quarter, Mayfield broke through multiple tackles and hit Tez Johnson deep for a 45-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 27–19. Tampa Bay’s defense sealed the game when Lavonte David strip-sacked Jones, forcing a fumble that halted San Francisco’s comeback hopes.
The 49ers struggled with penalties and mental errors throughout the game, stalling key drives and missing opportunities to close the gap. They’ll need to regroup quickly before hosting the Atlanta Falcons next week.
Photo by 49ers/Twitter
