Fred Warner’s goal of returning to give the 49ers a postseason boost might not be such a long shot, after all.

Warner, the four-time All-Pro linebacker, sustained a fractured and dislocated right ankle on Oct. 12. Two days later, he underwent surgery that was expected to sideline him until the 2026 season.

But Warner is making a spirited bid to return to action for the 49ers.

A source told NBC Sports Bay Area that it remains possible Warner could make a push to be available for the NFC Championship Game, if the 49ers are able to advance that far in the postseason.

General manager John Lynch, speaking Friday morning with Carlos Ramirez on KNBR, opened the door for Warner’s postseason return.

“It would be well ahead of the original timeline we were given, but Fred has the ability to move the doctors because they’re going to put objective measurements out there where, ‘Hey,  if you can reach these, you can get there.’

“And Fred has continually done that. I think it’s made a lot of people kind of re-examine. ‘OK, would this be possible?’ And I think that’s a great thing. So I’m watching him. I’ve consistently said it: I won’t put anything past him.”

The 49ers (11-4) control their own destiny to earn home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs. The 49ers close the regular season with games Sunday night against the Chicago Bears and in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Meanwhile, Warner is working out and pushing himself with the clear intent of playing in the postseason. The 49ers have two games remaining in the regular season.

The NFC Championship Game is scheduled for Jan. 25. Super Bowl 60 is set for Feb. 8 at the home of the 49ers, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

“Fred has been working incredibly hard,” Lynch said. “He’s been attacking it every which way, and he’s making really good progress.”

Lynch sounded more optimistic that Warner could put himself into a position to play again this season if the 49ers can make a deep postseason run.

“I think it’s a thing that will remain to be seen,” Lynch said. “But I know he’s putting his heart and soul and his incredible work ethic to work every single day in an effort to do that.”

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