San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner was carted off the field midway through the first quarter of Sunday’s road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a potentially serious right lower-leg injury.
Warner was defending a running play when his right leg got caught up from behind by pursuing teammate Ji’Ayir Brown. Warner’s right foot appeared to be pointing in the wrong direction before an air cast was placed on the leg by trainers.
Warner, in his eighth season, is the leader of the San Francisco defense. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro.
Warner landed the highest deal for an NFL linebacker in the offseason when he signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension with the 49ers.
He had one tackle before exiting against the Bucs. Entering Sunday’s game, Warner had 50 tackles and two forced fumbles.