TAMPA, Fla. — In the wee hours of Sunday morning, news broke that 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster had been arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge while at the team hotel.
The team announced it will release the second-year linebacker as a result of his latest incident.
[MAIOCCO: Release of Foster is justified]
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SIGN UP HERE So, Malcolm Smith will line up as the weakside linebacker in Foster’s place in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith will be next to Fred Warner, who will remain at middle linebacker as he has all season.
One of the bigger surprises of the 49ers' inactives list, though, is the healthy scratch of veteran running back Alfred Morris. The team will go with Matt Breida, Matthew Dayes and recently promoted Jeff Wilson instead. The 49ers, of course, also will use fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Dante Pettis, Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor and Richie James Jr. all will have a chance to see the field more at wide receiver, with Pierre Garcon inactive for the second consecutive game and Marquise Goodwin tending to a personal matter back in California.
Bourne has been Garçon’s backup as the veteran has fought injuries this season.
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Taylor hasn’t seen much playing time as he has been working back in slowly after offseason back surgery, but that could change Sunday.
Pettis’ growth has been challenged from injuries as well, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he's expecting to see more from his rookie wide receiver.
The pressure is on all of the players to solidify their future with the team in these final six games.
49ers inactives
WR Pierre Garçon
G Joshua Garnett
WR Marquise Goodwin (personal)
LB Reuben Foster (will be released)
OL Shon Coleman
DL D.J. Jones
RB Alfred Morris
Buccaneers inactives
LB Lavonte David
S Justin Evans
CB M.J. Stewart
QB Ryan Griffin
RB Ronald Jones
S Godwin Igwebuike
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches