The San Francisco 49ers promised a quick answer when they got further word on the legal status of linebacker Reuben Foster, and they weren’t messing around. Less than an hour after a Santa Clara judge dismissed the domestic violence and criminal threats charges against Foster, general manager John Lynch announced the linebacker is welcome to rejoin practice on Thursday.
“The organization is aware the domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster were dismissed earlier today. As a result, he will have the opportunity to rejoin the team tomorrow. It has been made clear to Reuben that his place on this team is one that must continue to be earned. We will continue to monitor the remaining misdemeanor charge.”
Foster still faces a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in Alabama, and a misdemeanor weapons charge in Santa Clara. He has a pair of June court dates to deal with those two charges. The weapons charge was originally a felony, but the judge reduced it because the gun was legally purchased in Alabama (it is illegal in California) and Foster was not violating any federal gun laws with his possession.
The 49ers had Wednesday off from practice, and return on Thursday to wrap up their first week of OTAs. Foster has remained in the Bay Area during the legal process, which means he should have a good shot at being on hand for practice tomorrow.