Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Examining all scenarios for Reuben Foster’s 2020 season with Washington

By Jacob Camenker

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 30: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a tackle during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 23-21. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 30: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a tackle during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 23-21. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Reuben Foster Washington Football Team
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Reuben Foster #56 and Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers defend during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Jaguars 44-33. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

Foster starts the season healthy

In an ideal world, Foster would be ready to start the season. He would eventually get on the field during training camp and challenge for a role in the linebacker corps.

Is it likely at this point? No. Probably not. But if something surprising happens, much like Alex Smith’s quicker than anticipated return to the practice field, perhaps Foster will be able to start the season on the field.

If that were the case, then the big question surrounding Foster would be about his role with the team.

More from Riggo's Rag

On paper, Foster is arguably the best linebacker on the Washington roster. Thomas Davis may have something to say about that, but either way, both are talented. Foster hasn’t seen the field since 2018 with the San Francisco 49ers, but he has a three-down skill set. And that’s something that the other Washington linebackers lack.

With the 49ers, Foster played the middle linebacker position in their 4-3 defense more often than not. He would certainly be in line for a similar role in Washington. If healthy, Foster wouldn’t necessarily start right away. The team’s coaching staff may look to ease him into action to avoid aggravating his surgically repaired knee, so he might split time with Jon Bostic at the MIKE.

But still, having Foster available would be a boon for the team. It would give them a much higher ceiling at linebacker than what they have. Given his three-down potential, it may help everything else fall into place better in the linebacker corps. And he could have a chance to exceed the 100 tackle mark if he plays (and starts) a 16-game slate.

So, that’s the ideal outcome for Foster and Washington. But if we’re talking most realistic, seeing him on the sideline to start the season probably would qualify.

Home/Commanders News