Reuben Foster not ruled out for Week 5, but still unlikely to play

San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Reuben Foster has not been ruled out for the team’s Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Of course, it’s big news that Foster hasn’t been automatically ruled out, but it’s still unlikely that he plays.

“I’d be surprised if he came back this week,” Shanahan said. “Not totally ruling him out but I’d be surprised.”

Obviously, Foster playing would be a big surprise. I doubt he will, but if he’s not being ruled out at this point, then his status for Week 6 has to be looking pretty good. If I had to guess, I’d say that Foster will miss Week 5, but will play in Week 6.

Foster looked great in his limited snaps before he went down with the high ankle sprain. His primary replacement, Ray-Ray Armstrong, has been pretty bad in Foster’s absence.

Shanahan has been complimentary of Armstrong, as has defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, but it sounds more like an expectations thing — he’s not great and he’s doing the best he can.

Still, getting Foster back will be huge. Hopefully it happens sooner rather than later for the 49ers.