Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported early Friday morning that San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead had minor foot surgery. The procedure, however, was not a recent one. Armstead went on KHTK Sports 1140 in Sacramento and revealed the surgery took place a couple of months ago and that it should not interfere with his ability to participate in the 49ers' organized team activities.
"I had surgery, a minor cleanup on my foot a couple of months ago," Armstead said, "but I'm feeling better now. We start OTAs and practice on Monday, so I'm feeling good."
Armstead is eager to hit the practice field and build upon the 49ers' strong finish to the 2017 season.
"I'm excited," he continued. "I think it's going to be a big year for our team and, like I said, on Monday we start practice and get back on the field. We get to practice against each other and kind of start the process.
"We've been working out really hard this offseason, but now we get to actually play some football. We'll get out there, no pads or anything yet, but it's still 11-on-11, and we get to have some competition. I'm excited for that, and I'm sure the rest of my team is too."
Armstead knows that things are turning around for the franchise. After winning six of their last seven and going undefeated in December, the 49ers have become the trendy offseason pick to be much improved in 2018. The 49ers picked up Armstead's fifth-year option, so the defensive lineman is likely to remain with the team through the 2019 season.
"It's definitely a different feeling," Armstead said. "It's been a rough couple of years, but things are looking on the brighter side now. I'm excited about the opportunity this year to go out there with my teammates, play hard, win some games, and kind of change the opinion of a bunch of us and how the organization has been viewed the past couple of years. The 49ers [are] a winning organization and we're all excited to get back to that."
Armstead also shared his thoughts on the Reuben Foster situation. The 49ers linebacker faces three felony charges as a result of a February 11 incident that led to his arrest.
"It's crazy to see that news," Armstead said. "All of my interactions with Reuben, hanging out with him, have been great. He's a great teammate, funny guy to be around, lively spirit in the locker room and on the field. I love playing with him. Sad to see the situation that's been going on this offseason with him. I hope it resolves how it should.
"It's a very serious situation, and those allegations are nothing to play with. Domestic violence is a very serious issue. It's tough to see anybody you know go through those things. I'm praying for him and praying for everyone in that situation, and I hope it resolves smoothly and how it should."
