49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Linebacker Reuben Foster

Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series takes a look at San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster and how his off-field transgressions might impact his efforts this upcoming season.

Editor’s Update: Reuben Foster’s felony charges of domestic violence and making threats have been dropped; presiding judge citing insufficient evidence. Foster’s felony weapons possession charge has been dropped to a misdemeanor.

When he’s on the field, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster is an All-Pro-type player, giving the Niners defense a vastly superior look.

The problem, though, is Foster isn’t always on the field.

A high-ankle sprain forced Foster to miss six games his rookie season. Yet the bigger concerns for the 2017 first-round NFL Draft pick are off-the-field decisions he made once last season came to a close.

First, there was the January arrest on charges of second-degree marijuana possession in Alabama. Combined with a diluted urine sample at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, this would be a problem.

But a second arrest a month later — on charges of domestic violence, among others — put Foster’s NFL career in serious jeopardy.

The alleged victim, Foster’s ex-girlfriend, later testified the report was a revenge ploy to get back at Foster for breaking up with her. Yet that doesn’t automatically exclude Foster from some serious repercussions this season.

The entire array of events cast a dark shadow on what was otherwise a promising offseason for the 49ers. And there are remaining doubts heading into 2018.

With Foster a force on the field, how will his off-field issues and potential injury concerns affect what we should expect this season?

Let’s take a look.

Why Reuben Foster Improves in 2018

Despite missing six games last season, Foster still managed to record 59 total tackles — second best on the Niners defense.

And that doesn’t tell the entire story.

Pro Football Focus handed Foster a 90.7 overall grade in 2017, which was highest among all 49ers and fourth best among all qualifying linebackers.

That’s elite status right there, and the Niners defense has an entirely different feel with Foster on the field.

Foster’s health is certainly a concern. If he can stay healthy, though, the kind of cleanup work he does is instrumental for San Francisco’s defense. At numerous times last season, we saw Foster operate sideline to sideline — the same traits he displayed at Alabama, which led to him being a top-10 draft talent.

Still young, the sky remains the limit for Foster. And he’ll have a fuller supporting cast around him this season too. Veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith returns from a season-long pectoral injury last year. And the Niners added promising coverage linebacker Fred Warner in this year’s draft.

This should take pressure of Foster, which should free him up to make even more an impact this season.

Why He Regresses

It’s almost impossible to envision Foster’s play regressing much at all this season. He already displayed top-notch abilities his rookie season.

And rookies typically make their biggest jumps between years one and two.

But, of course, there are the injury concerns. Foster was dealing with a shoulder injury prior to his rookie season. Then there was the ankle sprain. Further violent tackles also led to more than a handful of “close calls,” where Foster would have to come out for a play or two.

Any one of those cast doubts on Foster’s durability.

Then there are the legal woes.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office may still elect to pursue charges. A decision there remains outstanding, as other serious charges (felony weapons possession) remain.

These, along with the January marijuana arrest, could easily prompt the NFL to levy a suspension this season. It may not be along the lines of a six-game suspension, but the league appears to be monitoring the situation closely.

All this could put a serious dent in Foster’s on-field efforts this season, which would surely hinder San Francisco’s hopes for 2018.

What to Expect with the 49ers in 2018

The Niners have stood by Foster, for the most part, ever since his second arrest. While many were quick to judge the star linebacker and call for his release, the 49ers, despite criticism, elected to gather the facts and wait for more evidence to come forward.

In hindsight, this was the right move. Assuming Foster’s ex’s recant is true, letting the legal process play itself out appears to be the correct decision.

Even if it was unpopular at the time.

Meanwhile, Foster remains away from team activities. It’s likely this will stay the case until the DA’s office drops charges, which isn’t guaranteed.

For some players, this would be a setback. Probably not with Foster.

Next: 49ers' top 4 position battles to watch in OTAs

And if this proves to be little more than a dark spot on Foster’s otherwise promising, budding career, there’s nothing but great moments ahead for one of San Francisco’s best players.