NFL
Reuben Foster Returns To The 49ers
This week saw linebacker Reuben Foster return to team practice with the San Francisco 49ers and inclusion onto the 53-man roster. Foster started the 2018 NFL season with a two-game suspension, suffered as a result of violating the league’s policies on substance abuse and personal conduct.
Foster’s first offseason as an NFL player was tumultuous to say the least. His suspension stems from a misdemeanor gun charge and misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. Foster was also charged by the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office with alleged felony domestic violence. However, Foster’s ex-girlfriend later came out stating she had fabricated the allegations and the charges were dismissed.
The former Crimson Tide return puts the 49ers in a good position at linebacker. Rookie linebacker Fred Warner has excelled while filling in during Foster’s suspension. Warner, along with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, have been the stand out players on the Niners defense.
Video: Reuben Foster returns to practice after serving two-game suspension for violations of league’s policies on personal conduct and substances of abuse. The #49ers release OG Matt Tobin to create the roster spot. pic.twitter.com/GscrZY1kbe
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 19, 2018
This week also saw the return of veteran linebacker Malcom Smith. Smith has yet to take a snap for the 49ers since signing a 5-year deal worth $26.5 million prior to the start of the 2017 season. Smith did not participate last season, after tearing his pectoral muscle during training camp. Post recovering from his pectoral tear, Smith then injured his hamstring during the 49er’s pre-season opener of 2018.
Who Will Start At Linebacker?
Prior to the start of the season, it was likely that Foster and Smith were to be the starting linebackers. But with Warner continuing to impress, it will be hard to keep him off the field. Whether Coach Kyle Shanahan will start Smith or Warner is yet to be decided. Shanahan himself informing reporters that even if he had decided, he wouldn’t be letting the cat out of the bag just yet.
“If I knew what way we were going to go this week, I wouldn’t tell you guys, but I do mean I don’t know yet.” Shanahan said. “Reuben hasn’t been here in two weeks. Today is going to be Malcolm’s first day of full practice. So, we want to see how all of those guys do and it’ll be a tough decision at the end of the week, but a tough decision I’m going to be happy to have to make.
To make room for Reuben Foster’s return, the 49ers have released offensive lineman Matt Tobin.
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