Can't practice or play immediately

The NFL placed Foster on the commissioner's exempt list Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The 49ers jettisoned Foster in recent days after he was arrested Saturday night on an allegation of domestic violence. Subject to waivers, the only team to put in a claim on the beleaguered linebacker was the Redskins. With his landing spot known, the NFL reacted with Foster's placement on the exempt list, which won't allow him to practice or attend games while the league investigates his most recent transgression. However, he "may be present at the club's facility on a reasonable basis for…read more

Picked up by Redskins

The Redskins claimed Foster off waivers Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: After being embroiled in yet another off-the-field issue this past weekend, the 49ers decided to cut ties with Foster. A first-round pick in the 2017 draft, he doesn't have a place in the Redskins' starting lineup with Zach Brown, Mason Foster and Preston Brown all taking on significant workloads. Preston Brown is an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, though, so the team may be giving Reuben Foster a chance to see if he can be a part of its future. However, that future may include a…read more

Will be released

The 49ers' release of Foster will become official Monday once the NFL's transaction wire resumes business, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.

Analysis: Foster was listed among the 49ers' inactives for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. The team previously announced that the linebacker would be released following Foster's most recent off-field issue.

Gets cut after arrest

The 49ers released Foster (hamstring) on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco parted ways with the 2017 first-round pick just hours after he was arrested late Saturday at the team's hotel in Tampa, Fla. on charges of domestic-violence battery. Per Greg Auman of The Athletic, Foster made his first appearance in court to address the matter Sunday morning, but the 49ers weren't inclined to wait out the legal process given that the linebacker's numerous off-field incidents since joining the organization, including an arrest last April on domestic-violence…read more

Booked on domestic-violence charge

Foster was arrested Saturday at the 49ers' team hotel in Tampa, Fla. on a domestic-violence battery charge, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Foster missed the past two games with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: At the time of this report, Foster remains in jail and had not posted bond. After his latest transgression, Foster is very unlikely to play Sunday and could be cut loose by the 49ers, who previously announced a zero-tolerance domestic-violence policy. Foster's history of off-field problems won't help his case for remaining with the organization, as he missed the first two games of the season due to a suspension for violations of the NFL personal conduct and substances of abuse policies. Foster…read more

Questionable for Week 12

Foster (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: On the heels of the 49ers' bye, Foster logged limited practices all week. Clearly, his hamstring is still bothering him, but he appears to be closing in on putting an end to a two-game absence. In 16 career contests, Foster has averaged 6.3 tackles per game.

Limited in practice Wednesday

Foster (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster has missed two consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, and continues to progress in his recovery. The 2017 first-round pick appears to have a legitimate shot of suiting up against the Buccaneers' on Sunday, but may need to fully participate in practice at least once before retaking the field. If Foster were unable to go Week 12, Malcolm Smith would once again slot into the starting lineup.

Progressing well in recovery

Foster (hamstring) is practicing Monday and appears "ready to return," Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Foster appears to have put the 49ers' bye to good use. The 2017 first-round pick has missed two straight games due to a lingering hamstring issue, but he now seems to be nearing a return to health. Wednesday's first practice report of the week will bring an official word on Foster's chances of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Will not play Monday

Foster (hamstring) will not play in Monday's contest, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster will miss his second straight game thanks to a lingering hamstring injury. Malcolm Smith will take over as the weakside linebacker with Fred Warner patrolling the middle.

Sits out Saturday's practice

Foster (hamstring) did not participate at Saturday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Unable to practice, things don't appear to be trending in the right direction for Monday's tilt with the Giants. Foster will likely test his limits during Monday's pregame activities, but a decision regarding his availability may not be made until kickoff. If he can't give it a go, Malcolm Smith could be the next man up.

Week 10 status uncertain

Coach Kyle Shanahan called Foster (hamstring) "questionable" for Monday's game against the Giants, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Foster did not practice Thursday, according to Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. The 2017 first-round pick sat out last Thursday's win over the Raiders due to a lingering hamstring issue and does not yet appear to be nearing a return to full health. Given that the 49ers are out of playoff contention this season, it wouldn't be surprising if the team elects to take a cautious approach with Foster's recovery and keeps him sidelined until the injury fully heals.

Ruled out for Week 9

Foster (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: Foster didn't participate in any of the 49ers' walk-through sessions this week and will be sidelined due to injury for the first time this season after picking up the hamstring injury in the Week 8 loss to the Cardinals. The second-year linebacker's absence should open up more snaps for Elijah Lee and potentially Dekoda Watson (hamstring), who could be activated from injured reserve ahead of the contest.

Misses walkthrough

Foster (hamstring) didn't participate in Tuesday's walkthrough, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Though the 49ers didn't hold a normal practice Tuesday, Foster was listed as DNP on the team's expected injury report. The second-year linebacker injured his hamstring Sunday against the Cardinals, leaving his availability for Thursday's contest in doubt. Elijah Lee is expected to start if Foster is unable to go.

Questionable to return

Foster is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals due to a hamstring injury, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Foster entered the Week 8 contest while nursing a shoulder injury but exited the game due to an unrelated hamstring issue. As long as Foster remains sidelined, Elijah Lee will slot into San Francisco's starting lineup.

Not expected to require surgery

Foster (shoulder) received an MRI on his right shoulder and does not expect the injury to require surgery, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster will reportedly not require surgery in the immediate future or the coming offseason. The second-year linebacker has resumed practicing in full after suffering a shoulder injury during Sunday's loss to the Rams, so it does not seem the issue will have a long-term impact. For the moment, Foster appears on track to suit up against the Cardinals in Week 8.

Practices in full

Foster (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Foster exited Sunday's loss to the Rams during the fourth quarter due to a right shoulder injury, but appears to be fully healthy to begin the week. The second-year linebacker does not appear to be in any danger of missing San Francisco's game against the Cardinals in Week 8.

Questionable to return Sunday

Foster is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Rams due to a right shoulder injury, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster exited Sunday's game during the fourth quarter, so there's a chance he'll be shut down for the rest of the day with the Rams trailing by double digits. The 49ers should issue an update on Foster's condition early next week if he's unable to return to the contest.

Racks up nine tackles

Foster had nine tackles (eight solo) in Monday's 33-30 loss to Green Bay.

Analysis: An unusual game script led to a season-low three tackles for Foster last week, but he got back on track with a team-leading nine tackles against the Packers. The 49ers' field general was not limited by the minor shoulder injury he sustained last week, staying on the field for every defensive snap Monday. Foster will be very busy trying to run down the dynamic Todd Gurley in next week's division matchup against the Rams.

Plays through shoulder injury

Foster suffered a shoulder injury Sunday, but he remained in the contest and finished with three tackles (all solo) in a loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: Foster's injury didn't force him out of the game, which bodes well for his prospects to suit up against the Packers next Monday. There were only 27 defensive tackles up for grabs Sunday, which was the main reason Foster's tackle total was unusually low (no defensive player with more than four tackles).

Seven more tackles

Foster wrapped up seven tackles (five solo) in Sunday's loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: Foster has recorded seven tackles in each of his starts since returning from a two-game suspension. The 24-year-old continues to start at weak-side linebacker, which could explain why rookie Fred Warner -- who started in the middle -- finished with more tackles for the second consecutive week. Foster is supremely talented and should stay IDP relevant even with the position change.

Logs seven tackles in return

Foster (suspension) made his first start of 2018 on Sunday, recording seven tackles (six solo) in a loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Rookie Fred Warner -- who filled in for Foster during his suspension -- remained at the Mike position, pushing Foster to weak-side linebacker. The lineup shift shouldn't affect either linebacker's IDP value, as both remained on the field on passing downs. Foster did suffer an injury scare in the fourth quarter, but he sat out just one play, which accounted for the only defensive snap he missed Sunday.

Activated for Week 3

The 49ers activated Foster (suspension) on Wednesday.

Analysis: After serving his two-game suspension to begin the season, Foster is officially back on the 53-man roster and is trending toward making his 2018 debut this weekend against the Chiefs. He's been eligible to practice with the team since Monday, so if the 49ers are satisfied with his conditioning during their subsequent team sessions this week, Foster could take on a large snap count right off the bat. The 49ers released reserve offensive lineman Matt Tobin to clear a spot for Foster.

Back from suspension

Foster (suspension) is eligible to play in Week 3, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Foster was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct and substance abuse policies. Now that Week 2 has passed, he's eligible to practice with the team again and can play in Sunday's game against Kansas City. He's expected to start at middle linebacker.

Clear of concussion

Foster (concussion, suspension) played in Thursday's preaseason finale against the Rams, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Foster recorded two solo tackles and played 19 defensive snaps after suffering a concussion in last Saturday's preseason game against the Colts. The 24-year-old quickly cleared the concussion protocol, but he won't be available until Week 3 due to a two-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct and substance abuse policies.

Enters concussion protocol

Foster (suspension) has entered the league's concussion protocol, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Foster, who left Saturday's preseason game to be evaluated for a head injury, doesn't have a clear timeline to return to the field. Brock Coyle figures to start at middle linebacker in Foster's stead during Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

Under evaluation for concussion

Foster left Saturday's preseason game at Indianapolis to be evaluated for a concussion, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: After a promising rookie campaign in which he accrued 72 tackles in 10 games, Foster was embroiled in the justice system for a large portion of the offseason. His legal woes were eventually resolved by early June, but one month later the NFL handed him a two-game suspension for violations of the personal conduct and substances of abuse policies. With a concussion now in tow, he be may spending a portion of his time away from the team to start the season, working his way through the protocol for…read more

Working on technique to improve shoulder health

Foster (suspension) is working with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on adjusting his approach to get off blocks, with the hope that the improvement in technique results in better shoulder health down the road, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Foster's shoulder injury at the end of his college career at Alabama was one of the main reasons he slid to the 49ers at the end of the first round in the 2017 draft. Saleh is making an effort to improve the young linebacker's extension when engaged with blockers so that he can get off the block quicker and put himself in a squared-up position before making contact with ball carriers. The school of thought here is that Foster's improved positioning should help him avoid awkward tackling…read more

Foster received a two-game suspension Tuesday for violations of the personal conduct and substances of abuse policies, the 49ers' official site reports.

Analysis: Foster was arrested twice in the first month and a half of this year, first for marijuana possession and later for domestic violence, threats and possession of an assault weapon. His legal woes dragged into the offseason program, but shortly before the draft his accuser recanted the domestic violence allegations. Within six weeks, he was scot-free legally, but the preceding incidents were enough to earn him a suspension from the commissioner's office. Upon serving the ban, Foster will be…read more

Foster pleaded no contest Wednesday to a misdemeanor weapons charge that resulted in two years probation, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Foster's legal worries are now behind him, but that doesn't prevent the league from taking some action in terms of a suspension following a trio of incidents that have now been resolved. Regardless, the path appears to be clearing for Foster to return to his role as the starting middle linebacker for the 49ers at some point during 2018.

Foster's misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana was dismissed Friday after the linebacker successfully completed a diversion course, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: Separate from the felony domestic violence charges that were dropped Wednesday, Foster was previously in legal trouble for a Jan. 12 event in which the linebacker was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. Despite those chargers being dropped, Foster could still be subject to the NFL's substance-abuse policy in 2018.

Felony charges against Foster were dropped after a judge ruled there is insufficient evidence to proceed with domestic violence accusations, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Foster was originally accused of three felony charges in relation to a February arrest involving his girlfriend. With those charges dropped, Foster now has a clear path to return to the 49ers. However, Maiocco adds that Foster remains on the hook for a misdemeanor charge for possession of an assault weapon, so he could still be facing discipline from the league in advance of the 2018 season.

The judge in Foster's case indicated Thursday that he will rule on whether or not there is enough evidence to proceed to trial May 23, Evan Sernoffsky of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster's former girlfriend recanted her story during the hearing Thursday, improving his chances of having the case dropped. If he's able to avoid charges, the second-year linebacker could have a solid opportunity to keep his spot atop the depth chart. However, general manager John Lunch did note that the team would release Foster if the charges were proven to be true.

Foster's former girlfriend -- who pressed charges against him for domestic violence in February -- said through her attorney Wednesday that she fabricated reports of an assault in an effort to "trash his career" after the linebacker reportedly tried to break off their relationship, Kurtis Alexander of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: This is quite the development as Foster's April 30 plea deadline approaches. The Santa Clara County prosecutors involved with the case have yet to announce whether they will proceed with the charges filed against Foster. The 49ers have insisted that they want to let the legal process play out before rendering a decision on Foster's future with the organization. General manager John Lynch did clearly state that the team would cut Foster if the allegations regarding his assault proved to be true,…read more

49ers general manager John Lynch said Monday that Foster won't remain with the team "if these charges are proven true," ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Lynch is referring to Foster's felony domestic violence charge from a February arrest. The linebacker is being kept away from the 49ers while the legal process plays out, and he eventually could be placed on the commissioner's exempt list. Foster has a plea hearing scheduled for April 30.

Foster will not participate in team activities as his legal process plays out, Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Foster is facing three felony charges as a result of his February arrest. There is no timeline on how long it might take for the process to reach its conclusion.

Foster has been charged with three felonies stemming from his February arrest, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The report relays via the Santa Clara District Attorney's office that Foster "faces charges of domestic violence with an allegation that he inflicted great bodily injury, forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime, and possession of an assault weapon." As the legal process moves forward, Foster could also be subject to discipline from the NFL.

With the legal process still in motion regarding Foster's legal issues, 49ers' owner Jed York stated that he will ultimately decide whether or not the linebacker remains on the team moving forward, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Foster has been dealing with a pair of offseason incidents which have him mired in a lengthy legal process in two separate states. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether or not to press charges on the 23-year-old regarding his domestic abuse case from February, but York made a strong statement during Wednesday's press conference suggesting that even if the charges were dropped, it would ultimately be his decision to decide whether or not to keep the talented…read more

Foster (neck) is first scheduled to appear in court Feb. 28 after being arrested in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Jan. 12 for marijuana possession, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: The NFL will presumably wait and see how the legal process plays out for Foster before levying any discipline for the arrest, the first of two for the linebacker this offseason. He was also arrested Sunday in Los Gatos, Calif. on charges of domestic violence and threats and possession of an assault weapon, though a court date for that incident hasn't been set.

Foster (neck) was arrested on charges relating to domestic violence Sunday in Los Gatos, California, Sarah Ravani and Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle report.

Analysis: This marks Foster's second arrest within a month in what has been a nightmare start to the offseason for the young linebacker. His first occurred Jan. 12 for possession of marijuana. Any sort of punishment from the 49ers and the NFL won't come until after this pair of incidents work their way through the legal system.

Foster (neck) was arrested Friday for possession of marijuana, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Foster received a charge of second-degree marijuana possession in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he attended college prior to his rookie campaign in 2017. Despite playing just 10 games due to injury, the middle linebacker ranked second on the 49ers with 72 tackles (59 solo). Both the team and the NFL will allow the legal system to work itself out before implementing any sort of punishment, but a fine and/or suspension may be on the horizon.

Foster sustained a stinger in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Rams and did not return, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Foster could have returned, but the game was well in hand early with the Rams resting up for the playoffs. The 23-year-old was dealing with a stinger following last week's win over Jacksonville and aggravated the injury Sunday, but will have plenty of recovery time with the 49ers season drawn to a close.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that Foster (shoulder) will be limited in practices this week, but the linebacker is expected to suit up Sunday against the Rams, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Foster sustained a right shoulder stinger in the Week 16 win over the Jaguars, but played 61 snaps during the contest and collected five tackles. Per Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, Shanahan said Foster's stinger isn't related to the surgery he required prior to the 2017 NFL Draft to repair a torn labrum, so the 49ers don't seem too concerned about his health heading into the season finale. Foster should take on a full workload Sunday if he doesn't endure any setbacks during practice this…read more

Foster suffered a shoulder stinger against Jacksonville on Sunday but is expected to play against the Rams in Week 17, Bay Area News Group's Cam Inman reports.

Analysis: Foster's IDP owners might want to follow his practice participation levels throughout the week in case the 49ers decide to play it safe with their young star linebacker in a meaningless contest, but he wasn't expected to miss any time immediately following the upset of Jacksonville.

Foster collected eight tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 25-23 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Foster suffered yet another injury scare Sunday, needing help getting off the field with an undisclosed injury after making a tackle in the fourth quarter. The resilient rookie spent just two plays in the injury tent before bounding back on the field to finish out the contest. Foster has endured a handful of different minor injuries, but only the early-season high ankle sprain has held him out for an extended period. So long as he is healthy, he should be in for another high tackle total…read more

Foster recorded seven tackles (all solo) in Sunday's victory over the Bears.

Analysis: Seven tackles seems a bit low for San Francisco's defensive captain, but it was actually an impressive total when you consider the Bears ran just 36 offensive plays, the lowest total by a 49ers' opponent since 1991. While their improved quarterback play (and in turn, increased offensive ball control) is partially to blame, this steep of a snap count drop seems unsustainable, so we could see a return to his usual double-digit totals sooner rather than later.

Foster wrapped up 10 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Foster followed up his impressive 14-tackle performance last week with another double-digit total in the 49ers' first win of the season. The rookie was on the field for all 66 of the team's defensive snaps and has become the defacto leader of a young defensive squad. As long as he is healthy, the middle linebacker is proving to be a must-own fantasy asset in IDP formats.

Foster (ankle) wrapped up a game high 14 tackles (13 solo) in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: Foster made his triumphant return to the field after missing several games due to rib and ankle injuries. The talented rookie suffered a scare in the second half when he went down grasping his previously injured ankle. It turned out to be nothing more than a stinger, and the linebacker returned to the game and set a lofty career high with 14 total tackles. Foster was given many opportunities for wrap ups due to Adrian Peterson setting the high watermark in carries this season with 37 on Sunday.…read more

Foster (ribs) is active for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: Foster will end his DNP stretch at one contest, allowing him to retain his starting spot at middle linebacker. In two appearances as a rookie, he's tallied eight tackles (five solo) and one pass defended on 64 defensive snaps.

Foster (ribs), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, will play in the contest, a source informed Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Analysis: Foster's availability would be a major boon with the Cardinals expected to adopt a run-heavy attack featuring lead back Adrian Peterson as they break in a new starter (Drew Stanton) under center. Injuries have limited Foster to just two games in his rookie season, but the linebacker could have some appeal in IDP settings if he's able to stay healthy for must of the second half of the campaign. He's accrued eight tackles in just 66 snaps in 2017.

Foster (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Analysis: Foster started the week with an ankle injury as well, but the ribs are the lone injury left on the injury report. The 49ers already have seven players ruled out for Sunday's game for their seven inactives, and he was a limited practice participant this week.