The San Francisco 49ers faced a significant blow with the news that All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner will miss the entire 2025 season due to a devastating ankle injury. Warner, a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense, was relegated to cheering from the suites at Levi’s Stadium during the team’s 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. To address the gaping void in their linebacker corps, the 49ers and general manager John Lynch have made a strategic move, bringing back rookie linebacker Stone Blanton to the practice squad, as reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson on October 21, 2025.
Who is Stone Blanton?
Stone Blanton, a 6-foot-2 linebacker hailing from Madison, Mississippi, brings a wealth of experience from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). A former four-star recruit according to 247Sports, Blanton was ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Mississippi and attracted 21 offers before committing to South Carolina. During his time with the Gamecocks, he recorded 59 total tackles, including 36 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for a loss. After the 2023 season, Blanton entered the transfer portal and joined Mississippi State, where he reached new career highs.
In Starkville, Blanton emerged as a standout, leading the Bulldogs with an impressive 95 total tackles, including 30 solo stops and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Despite his stellar college performance, Blanton went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He initially signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent but was waived on August 26, 2025. Now, with Warner sidelined, Blanton’s return to the 49ers’ practice squad offers a critical opportunity to bolster the team’s linebacker depth.
Why Blanton’s Return Matters
Blanton’s re-signing comes at a pivotal moment for the 49ers, who are grappling with depth concerns in their linebacker room following Warner’s season-ending injury. His familiarity with the team, having been part of their roster earlier in 2025, makes him a valuable asset as the 49ers aim to maintain their defensive prowess. Blanton’s SEC pedigree and proven tackling ability—highlighted by his 95-tackle season at Mississippi State—position him as a potential difference-maker, even from the practice squad.
The 49ers’ Linebacker Room: Who’s Stepping Up?
In Warner’s absence, other linebackers have begun to step into the spotlight. During the 49ers’ win over the Falcons, rookie Tatum Bethune emerged as a surprise standout, leading the team with 10 tackles against Atlanta’s dynamic running back Bijan Robinson. Bethune, a seventh-round pick from Florida State in the 2024 NFL Draft, was the only 49ers defender to record double-digit tackles in the game, showcasing his potential to fill a larger role.
Dee Winters also contributed in the same contest, recording three tackles, including one for a loss, demonstrating his ability to make an impact behind the line of scrimmage. Additional depth is provided by Curtis Robinson, a former Stanford linebacker known primarily for his special teams contributions, as well as Luke Gifford and Nick Martin, both of whom remain healthy and active in the linebacker room.
A New Chapter for Blanton and the 49ers
Stone Blanton’s journey—from a four-star recruit to an SEC standout, an undrafted free agent, and now a returning member of the 49ers—embodies resilience and opportunity. His 95-tackle season at Mississippi State underscores his potential to contribute meaningfully to San Francisco’s defense. While Warner’s absence leaves a “massive” void, Blanton’s return signals the 49ers’ commitment to building a robust and versatile linebacker unit capable of rising to the challenge.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Blanton and the rest of the linebacker corps to see how they step up in the absence of one of the NFL’s premier defenders. For now, Blanton’s spectacular comeback to the 49ers marks a new chapter in his career and a critical reinforcement for a team determined to stay competitive.