Reuben Foster to start for Niners
Rookie Reuben Foster has apparently impressed the Niners coaching staff enough to earn a starting linebacker spot.
We are a few weeks into NFL training camps and there are position battles taking place all around the league. One that looks to be decided is starting weak side linebacker for the Niners. On Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that position belongs to Foster, at least for now.
Kyle Shanahan said Reuben Foster is the starter, but he can be replaced if someone outperforms him.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 15, 2017
San Francisco selected Foster No. 31 overall during this year’s NFL Draft. He had shoulder concerns entering the draft, but that did not deter the 49ers from taking him. An injury to Malcolm Smith also helped open things up for the rookie.
Foster will join fellow first round pick Solomon Thomas (No. 3 overall) in trying to improve a Niners defense that was one of the worst in the NFL a year ago. San Francisco ranked last in the league in total yards allowed per game (406.4), rushing yards allowed per game (165.9), and points allowed per game (30). Foster was an All-American in college and Butkus Award winner, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker.
