SANTA CLARA–San Francisco 49ers’ rookie linebacker Reuben Foster reportedly suffered a mild AC joint sprain in his shoulder this week, but with an hour to go until Saturday evening’s exhibition game, it appears as though Foster will play.
The 31st overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and the second first round draft choice of the 49ers this spring, Foster entered the NFL with concerns regarding a torn labrum he suffered in his final season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. According to multiple reports, the new injury Foster is dealing with is not related to the one he dealt with at Alabama.
With Foster in line for a starting role on the 49ers’ defense, the rookie needs all the game-speed reps he can get to prepare for his first season in the league. However, the 49ers know they must be cautious with Foster, given his injury history and the fact San Francisco is already without linebacker Malcolm Smith, who suffered a pectoral injury during training camp.
Foster was not among the players listed by the 49ers who are expected to sit out Saturday night’s contest against the Broncos, so all signs point to the linebacker receiving at least a handful of snaps.
Though there are technically no “inactive” players during the preseason, the 49ers have reportedly listed DeForest Buckner, Ronald Blair III, Aaron Lynch, Will Redmond, Prince Charles Iworah, Joshua Garnett, Jimmie Ward and Sean Porter as “Out” for Saturday’s game.
#49ers not expected to play in #DENvsSF
Burbridge
Redmond
Ward
Iworah
Porter
Lynch
Garnett
Blair
Buckner— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 20, 2017