Patrick Willis says Reuben Foster needs to pick his spots for big hits

Share

Second-year linebacker Reuben Foster this week began serving a two-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s policies on substances of abuse and personal conduct. He is eligible to return for the week of practice leading up to the Week 3 game at Kansas City.

Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis envisions Foster making an immediate impact upon his return to action. But he said he will have to make some adjustments in his game in order for him to remain on the field and being a consistent performer for years.

“That young guy has so much potential and he’s gifted and you can obviously tell how he plays, how he attacks the ball,” Willis said on the 49ers Insider Podcast. “I hope he learns to take care of himself in the aspect of his body.

“He has to start learning when to give those certain kinds of licks and when to throw his body in there a certain kind of way. He’s not going to want to keep getting banged up too many times like that, so he’ll wise up to some of that. But other than that, he is going to be who he is.”

Foster was in and out of the lineup as a rookie. The biggest chunk of time he missed was a five-game absence due to a high ankle sprain. He also battled ribs and shoulder injuries.

This summer, Foster was diagnosed with a concussion but returned to the field just five days later to play in 19 snaps in the 49ers’ preseason finale Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“He’s from the SEC,” said Willis, who starred at Ole Miss. “So I know he’s going to lead those guys.”

Overall, Willis said he likes the way the 49ers’ defense is set up for the upcoming season. He said he believes a front headlined by DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas will have a positive impact through every level of the defense.

“I’m glad they got some hungry guys on the defensive line,” Willis said. “I’m glad they have some potential. But potential is one thing. It takes a lot of work every day, day-in and day-out. I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for those guys I was able to play with in the front, Justin (Smith) and Aubrayo (Franklin), Ray (McDonald). It goes on. We worked every day together.”

Willis said the addition of veteran Richard Sherman should be a good complement for safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert.

“The secondary looks pretty mean,” Willis said. “They got some hitters back there. Of course, you have Richard Sherman being a veteran. Hopefully he has a great year, coming off the injury he had. I’m sure he’s confident and going to gain more confidence. That’s a big add on for them, as far as leadership goes.”

Contact Us