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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) /
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Reuben Foster Washington Football Team
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Foster misses the season recovering from knee injury

Even though things appear to be trending in the right direction for Foster, this option can’t be counted out. His knee injury was brutal enough that it could sideline him for longer than expected.

Foster’s injury occurred in June of 2019 during OTAs. He suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and LCL. He also suffered nerve damage in the injured knee and the nerve was only confirmed to be firing again in early January.

But before that, Foster couldn’t even lift his foot, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

More from Commanders News

"The drop foot that plagued Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith when he suffered nerve damage also plagues Foster. Foster could not dorsiflex — which meant he could not lift his foot — for several months."

Again, things appear to be moving in the right direction. But even a hint of doubt could cause the Washington coaching staff to proceed with extra caution. And if there’s a setback or if the progress plateaus, Foster could be shut down.

We’re not close to this right now. But it’s a possibility that must be acknowledged. Hopefully, Foster will be able to play by mid-October or November at the latest, but the team won’t rush him back if he’s not ready. They have no reason to do that as it would only risk damaging their relationship with Foster.

If Foster can’t get healthy, then Washington will have to make do with the other options that they have at the position. That will likely mean rolling with a starting group of Thomas Davis, Jon Bostic, and Cole Holcomb while mixing in Shaun Dion Hamilton, Kevin Pierre-Louis, and Khaleke Hudson to spell them.

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