The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly eyeing former Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair as a potential replacement for the injured Fred Warner. Warner suffered a season-ending dislocated and fractured ankle injury during the 49ers’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, prompting the team to explore options to bolster their linebacker corps ¹.

Al-Shaair’s Background

Al-Shaair played for the 49ers from 2019 to 2022 before joining the Tennessee Titans and later the Houston Texans. He has a strong track record, recording 163 tackles in the 2023 season and 70 tackles, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 11 games in 2024. His familiarity with the 49ers’ system, having played under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, makes him an attractive candidate ².

49ers’ Interest

The 49ers’ interest in Al-Shaair is driven by the need to fill the void left by Warner’s injury. Warner has been a key player for the 49ers, earning four first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances. His absence will be felt, and the team needs a reliable replacement to maintain their defensive strength ³.

Tatum Bethune’s Opportunity

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed confidence in Tatum Bethune, who will likely take over Warner’s role. Shanahan stated, “We have a lot of faith in Tatum Bethune. He’s the next man up and he’s gonna have to do it throughout the year.” However, the 49ers may still pursue Al-Shaair to provide additional depth and competition for the linebacker position ⁴.

Warner’s Injury and Recovery

Warner’s injury has sparked a wave of support from teammates and fans. He took to Instagram to share his emotional reaction to the injury, citing a famous quote from Kobe Bryant: “Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real.” Warner’s determination and positivity will likely inspire his teammates as they navigate the remainder of the season without him ¹.

Conclusion

The 49ers’ interest in Al-Shaair highlights the team’s efforts to address the void left by Warner’s injury. With a strong track record and familiarity with the 49ers’ system, Al-Shaair could be a suitable replacement. However, the team’s confidence in Tatum Bethune adds an element of uncertainty to the situation. As the 49ers navigate the remainder of the season, they will need to find a way to maintain their defensive strength and overcome the loss of their star linebacker.