Foster could play in limited role
Before rookie inside linebacker Reuben Foster met with reporters Thursday, a member of the 49ers’ publicrelations staff pulled him aside, presumably to instruct him on how to handle questions about his ankle injury.
Then, Foster addressed the crowd and used his colorful way with words when he was asked whether he could return to action Sunday against Washington.
“I hope the doctors officially clear me, but I don’t know,” Foster said. “Hopefully they see, you know, a child in me, like, ‘Want a candy?’ I want some candy. Let me have some candy.”
Foster passed the PR test: He didn’t say whether he is going to play for the first time since he suffered a high ankle sprain Sept. 10.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan later suggested Foster would be eased into action. On Wednesday, Foster returned to practice for the first time since his injury. He has been limited this week.
“I don’t expect to just throw him in out there for a full 60, 80 plays,” Shanahan said on KNBR. “So we’ve got to be smart with him. Hopefully, he’ll continue to improve tomorrow. We’ll have a little package and see how the game goes for him.” Reid’s role: Safety Eric Reid (knee), who has missed the past three games, was again limited in practice after he returned to the field Wednesday.
Reid has a chance to play Sunday. He was asked if he thought he could lose his starting spot to Jaquiski Tartt, who has played capably in his absence.
“I don’t think that’s the case,” Reid said. “I won the job in training camp. So I expect when I’m back that it will be mine.”
On Wednesday, Shanahan didn’t commit to Reid returning to his starting role. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked about the safety situation.
“We have a very good problem at safety with three really talented football players between Jimmie (Ward), Eric and Tartt. I love the mind-set from Eric Reid. He should think that way. I wouldn’t expect anything else. Going through this entire week, to even think that far ahead, we just want to make sure he’s healthy first. When it’s time to cross those bridges, we’ll cross them.” Other injuries: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (back) missed his second straight practice, and seven other players were limited: linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (shoulder), safety Adrian Colbert (hamstring), tight end George Kittle (chest), defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (knee), Ward (shoulder), linebacker Dekoda Watson (groin) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion).