As a disappointing San Francisco 49ers season has progressed, there have been continued questions about the standard of play of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.

Warner remains the premier linebacker in the NFL in the eyes of most, but there are some who have questioned whether he has played to his usual All-Pro standard as the Niners have slumped to a 5-6 record.

Five of the last seven games have seen Warner surrender a passer rating when targeted of at least 100, and the first-team All-Pro provided an explanation that would make a perceived drop-off in play entirely understandable.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room ahead of Wednesday's practice, Warner revealed he has been playing through a fractured bone in his ankle since Week 4. 

Warner said: "Anytime you fracture a bone, if you just continue to play on it, the bone is usually not going to be able to heal itself. 

"So just got to continue to just fight through."

The 49ers overcame the New England Patriots in Week 4, a game in which Warner did not play the second half owing to an ankle injury.

Warner leads the league in forced fumbles with four and has two interceptions to his name, including one returned for a touchdown against the Patriots.

Yet he has only one forced fumble, two pass breakups and a tackle for loss since that game, illustrating something of a dip in his overall influence.

Warner's willingness to fight through the pain barrier is admirable, but his impact being somewhat limited because of injury is reflective of a campaign in which injuries have undoubtedly played a role in the 49ers failing to meet their lofty expectations.

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He’s heading in the right direction.