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.
"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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Raiders preseason finale receives official kickoff time
The San Francisco 49ers announced their 2026 preseason schedule alongside the NFL's full regular-season unveiling. San Francisco will open the preseason at home against the Tennessee Titans on August 13, then travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers on August 20. The 49ers will... -
49ers' Keion White feels 'pretty good,' taking gunshot recovery 'one day at a time'
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White is progressing in his recovery after undergoing ankle surgery following a gunshot injury earlier this year. In February, 49ers general manager John Lynch suggested White was expected to make a full recovery and return in time for... -
Insider makes the case for A.J. Brown-to-49ers trade scenario
The San Francisco 49ers appear set at wide receiver after revamping the position group this offseason. The team moved on from Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne but added veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. San Francisco also continued to strengthen the unit... -
49ers will lead the NFL in unwanted category during 2026 season
The San Francisco 49ers are regularly among the NFL's most-traveled teams each season, and that trend will continue in 2026. According to Bookies.com, via ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are projected to travel 38,105 miles during the 2026 season. That total easily tops the...