Reuben Foster’s struggle

The defensive player ‘needs to find a way to get that rust off’

SANTA CLARA – Reuben Foster looked every bit a playmaking, turnover-forcing machine immediately into his rookie training camp last year. Interceptions came daily, along with a fumble or two. His hands were magnets to the football.

“The ball’s got a thing for me. I don’t got a thing for the ball,” Foster quipped back then with his fun-loving smile.

Now, 14 games into his career, Foster has no interceptions, no fumble recoveries, no forced fumbles and a bum shoulder. That injury aside, he typifies the San Francisco 49ers staff check on San Francisco 49ers’ Reuben Foster during their game against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.

state of the 49ers lackluster defense.

As much as the 49ers (16) have been hurt by their turnover-prone offense (18 giveways), their defense isn’t bailing them out (three takeaways) as they take a five-game losing streak into Sunday’s game at the Arizona Cardinals (1-6).

“It’s not just Reuben. It’s all of our guys,” coach Kyle Shanahan said.

Foster is not just another guy, however. He arrived as a first-round draft pick, packed with potential if healthy and clear of off-field trouble.

Foster acknowledged Thursday that a right-shoulder injury is hindering him, but he plans to play through that pain the rest of this season.

“It doesn’t go numb. It’s a sharp pain that goes on and off,” Foster said. “I want to stay out there the whole time. I listen to my coaches and trainer. Whatever they decide for me, I know it’s best.”