Washington linebacker Reuben Foster is taking “big steps” in his journey back to the football field. Foster was activated off the physically unable to perform list Aug. 9 and returned to the practice field for the first time since he suffered a serious knee injury in May 2019.
Foster told Washington reporters he was focused on his leg in his first practice back.
“I was focusing on my leg and focusing on my first day of practice, really,” Foster said per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “I was happy — was happy about it, but I was focusing on my leg, like, ‘Dang, am I the same again? Will I ever be the same?’ Or, ‘Would I ever be that type of caliber guy?’
“But I don’t think [about it] to the point that it would stop my play style or whatever. I just got to get confidence out there.”
Foster tore his ACL, MCL and LCL during a OTA practice last year. He also suffered nerve damage and didn’t regain feeling in his foot until January of this year.
He worked to get back on the playing even as Washington declined his fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Foster questioned himself on whether he can return to his pre-injury form.
Many may not understand the severity of Foster’s injury. The former Alabama standout said it was “really scary” of not playing again, because he feels God made him to be a football player.
The addition of Foster will bolster an already deep Washington linebacker room. While regaining confidence in his leg, Foster will have to compete against Thomas Davis Sr., Cole Holcomb, Jon Bostic, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Kevin Pierre-Louis for playing time.
