Fred Warner, 49ers best Puka Nacua, Rams in former BYU linebacker’s return to the field

Two former BYU football players — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua — have faced each other several times during their pro careers, as both of their teams reside in the NFC West.

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That rivalry went international Thursday, as San Francisco rolled past Los Angeles 27-7 in a game played in Melbourne, Australia, in the 2026 season opener for both franchises.

For Warner, it marked his return to the field since he suffered a season-ending right ankle fracture and dislocation in Week 6 of the 2025 season.

The Pro Bowl linebacker showed why he’s one of the best at his position in the NFL, finishing the game with a game-high 11 tackles, a pass deflection and a forced fumble.

Early in the fourth quarter, Warner’s forced fumble led to the final points of the game. With the Rams approaching midfield, Warner punched the ball loose from Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, and 49ers defensive lineman Keion White recovered at the Los Angeles 43.

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That set up a field goal four plays later to make it 27-7.

Nacua had a steady, albeit quiet night, as he finished with a team-high five receptions for a game-high 74 yards for the Rams in the losing effort.

Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed just 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards in the loss, tried to find Nacua on a deep pass in the second quarter with the Rams leading and driving to potentially go up two scores, but it was intercepted by Renardo Green.

San Francisco capitalized on the takeaway by scoring a touchdown on a deep pass nine plays later to go up for good, 10-7.

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