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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has had a challenging year. The former Alabama star was not invited to the NFL draft after a "heated argument with a hospital worker," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Once considered a top pick, Foster's draft status was uncertain after the incident. The 49ers ultimately selected him with the draft's 31st-overall pick.
To start the season, Foster lined up against quarterback Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers at weak-side linebacker during Week 1. Seemingly having a solid first start, Foster injured his ankle in the first quarter of 49ers football this season. He left the game with three solo tackles and a pass deflection.
Foster's faith is finally paying off though. The Sacremento Bee's Matt Barrows broke the story early Thursday morning that the linebacker earned NFL defensive rookie of the month. Foster played only three games in November but finished the month with a team-high 30 tackles, including five assists.
.@49ers @ferrarifoster going about his business. So fun to watch him get to the 🏈. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/VP55WnBFT3
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 29, 2017
Barrows also notes that four other 49ers have won this award including Andre Carter, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and Chris Borland.
Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara won the NFL's offensive rookie of the month on the back of his 594 total yards and six touchdowns. He played in four games during November. The Saints drafted Kamara after the 49ers sent them the No. 67 overall pick in exchange for a 2018 second rounder and a seventh-round choice in 2017. The 49ers selected current starting free-safety Adrain Colbert with the seventh-round pick. The second rounder gave the 49ers flexibility in the Jimmy Garoppolo negotiations, allowing the trade of their own 2018 second-round pick in exchange for their new starting quarterback.