Fred Warner faces a potential NFL fine for his personal foul on Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in their Week 3 matchup.
On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers kept their undefeated streak alive after beating the Arizona Cardinals, 36-30, in front of their home fans at Levi’s Stadium.
49ers star quarterback Brock Purdy led the Niners, completing 15-for-27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdown passes. The Pro Bowl QB also added 34 rushing yards on two carries.
Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle registered six catches for 82 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the victory.
Warner, however, was involved in a contentious incident during the game. The four-time All-Pro linebacker was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty with 47 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Warner delivered a forceful high hit on McBride as the Cardinals TE was being brought down by 49ers LB Garrett Wallow.
It resulted in a 15-yard penalty against the Niners, moving the Cardinals to San Francisco’s 19-yard line. Arizona eventually scored a field goal on the same drive, cutting the 49ers’ lead to 14-6. before halftime.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Warner appeared to have made contact with McBride’s helmet. The NFL will now review the incident and determine whether the foul merits a fine. For context, the NFL’s 2026 fines and appeals schedule indicates that an Impermissible Use of the Helmet violation warrants a $23,882 fine for a first offense and $47,762 for a second.
Warner will now need to wait for the NFL’s decision on his case. The league typically announces player fines every Saturday.
Warner has been fined five times in his career, most recently in September 2025, when he was fined $23,186 for use of the helmet. Coincidentally, it was also against the Cardinals, as he was flagged for unnecessary roughness on a tackle against running back James Conner.
Although Warner was fined last season, all players started the 2026 season with a clean slate. However, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) implemented a modified point-based carryover system for this year.
San Francisco is now preparing for their Week 4 clash against the Denver Broncos. The 49ers welcome the Broncos to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
