The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back Reuben Foster on Thursday, a team spokesman confirmed. Judge Nona Klippen ruled on Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the domestic violence case against the star linebacker and dropped the two charges with the remaining weapon charge being reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.


"The organization is aware the domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster were dismissed earlier today (Wednesday)," general manager John Lynch said via a statement shortly after charges were dropped. "As a result, he will have the opportunity to rejoin the team tomorrow (Thursday). It has been made clear to Reuben that his place on this team is one that must continue to be earned. We will continue to monitor the remaining misdemeanor charge."

Thursday was Foster's first day back with the 49ers since the charges were announced on April 12. He was not allowed to participate in team activities while the legal matter remained unresolved. Foster could still face discipline from the NFL, which will launch its own investigation. He still has the pending weapon charge and was arrested in Alabama in January on charges of second-degree marijuana possession.

Foster has not yet commented on any of his offseason legal issues.

"I'm real excited about the news," tackle Joe Staley said Wednesday night at the State of the Franchise event. "Obviously, that's real positive. So excited to see him come back, whenever he comes back to the building, and give him a hug and move forward."

"I would just tell you on behalf of everyone in our organization, we're thrilled," Lynch said at the same event. "We're pleased because it's been a tough ordeal. It's consumed a lot of our time and energy. It's been tough because we've had belief in Reuben the entire time. We feel good that we believe the right outcome transpired today and I'll tell you what we're most looking forward to; having him in our building tomorrow."


While Foster was allowed to rejoin his teammates for the offseason program, the team did not confirm whether or not the linebacker participated in Thursday's practice. Malcolm Smith and Korey Toomer were the starting inside linebackers during Tuesday's practice, which was open to the media.

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