San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Reuben Foster went down with what appeared to be a serious injury during the first quarter of his team's 23-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. About 20 minutes later, Foster re-joined his teammates on the sideline but had a noticeable limp.
Foster downplayed the injury and even lobbied to return to Sunday's game. It was a relief to 49ers fans who feared the worst and believed that the injury might be season-ending. Following the loss, Foster insisted that he will be ready for the 49ers' Week 2 contest in Seattle against the Seahawks.
"I wanted to go back out there," Foster said. "It was loosening up. It doesn't hurt anymore. I'll be good against Seattle."
That may not be the case. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Foster suffered a high-ankle sprain based on a preliminary diagnosis and is very likely to miss some time.
#49ers rookie LB Reuben Foster had a high-ankle sprain, based on the preliminary diagnosis, per sources. More tests coming. Will miss time
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2017
"They thought at first, possibly tibia and stuff and they came out and told me at halftime that was a negative but he wasn't good enough to go back into the game," head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game.
In less than one quarter against Carolina, Foster had three tackles and nearly intercepted Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. He was replaced by linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong.