Reuben Foster MRI, X-rays negative, expected to play vs. Eagles

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster should play in the team’s next game against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Monday. Foster’s MRI and X-rays on his ribs came back negative after he left Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with a serious-looking injury.

Shanahan said that the 49ers will recheck Foster on Tuesday, but he expects him to be good to go for the game against the Eagles.

Foster has played in just two games this season. He injured his ankle in Week 1 and the game against Dallas was his first game back. He played a career-high 53 snaps, which accounted for 71 percent of defensive plays.

Shanahan said on Monday that he was happy with Foster’s performance in the game, though he did struggle on some big plays from the Dallas offense. Foster was given a 75.2 grade from Pro Football Focus for his performance against the Cowboys, and they credited him with five tackles and two run stops.

The 49ers desperately needed some good news on the injury front, and they got it with Foster being able to return. He’s a big, promising part of the team’s future but they need to see him as much as they can in his rookie season.