Don’t count out Reuben Foster with the Washington Redskins just yet. Redskins defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said the linebacker remains in the team’s plans, pending medical clearance.
Foster suffered a major knee injury in his first OTA practice with the Redskins in May 2019. He tore his ACL, LCL and MCL, forcing him to miss all of the 2019 season. Additionally, he suffered nerve damage, resulting in him losing feeling in his injured foot.
Last month, the Redskins declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, placing doubt in Foster’s future with the team.
Del Rio told the Redskins media Foster has done everything the coaches have asked of him in his recovery. He is in the team’s plans, according to Del Rio, which is a good sign. Still, he has to be medically cleared.
Before legal issues and injury halted his career, Foster displayed sideline-to-sideline speed and a knack to get after the ball carriers playing at Alabama and with the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s unclear how close he is to playing this season, but if he is able to return to the field, he strengthens the depth of their linebacker group. The Redskins signed veteran Thomas Davis, who is expected to play Will Linebacker. They re-signed Jon Bostic, who replaced the injured Foster last year, to play Mike. Second-year pro Cole Holcomb has the inside track to play Sam in the Redskins’ revamped 4-3 defense.
With his versatility, Foster could play any of the three linebacker positions.
When the Redskins claimed him off waivers in November 2018, they did so with little risk. Given he hasn’t been able to play a single play, the Redskins would surely like to see him play for them before he potentially becomes a free agent next spring.
