San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is the defense's second-most experienced player, one season behind defensive lineman Earl Mitchell. Linebacker Fred Warner is the youngest player on the active roster, edging defensive back D.J. Reed by eight days. Both players started their first game with San Francisco on Sunday, and head coach Kyle Shanahan could not have been more impressed with each.

Both Sherman and Warner were in on each of the defense's 71 snaps during the disappointing 24-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Sherman was playing in his first regular-season game since an Achilles injury last November.

"I thought he did a real good job," Shanahan said of Sherman. "I think it was good for him just to get out there. Any time you're coming out after an injury that he had last year, I know there's some anxiety in that and things like that. I know he was excited to get going.

"I think getting a game under his belt, just talking to him today, I think he felt good. I think he was really happy with it and I know I was from what I saw on tape."


Fred Warner finished the game with an impressive 12 combined tackles, a quarterback hit, a tackle for a loss, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble, which was recovered by Sherman. He started at the MIKE linebacker spot because of the two-game suspension of Reuben Foster and an injury to Malcolm Smith.

Warner made a case to remain the starter alongside Foster when the second-year star returns to practice in a week. The 49ers head coach was asked if, given Warner's performance in Minnesota, that was the plan.

"I'm not sure yet," Shanahan responded. "That's still another week away. The way he played yesterday, it would be hard to get that guy off the field. He did a hell of a job yesterday in his first game. That was yesterday. We'll see how he does this week."

Shanahan said that Warner appeared to handle the communication duties of the MIKE linebacker well.

"I know the guys were very happy with how he communicated," he said. "The defense got guys lined up and made a lot of plays in the game too."


The 49ers will begin preparing for their home opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The team will hold its first practice on Wednesday.


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