
Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster, who missed five games with a high-ankle sprain, was back on the sideline for the fourth quarter Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Foster exited the lineup twice in the second half due to a ribs injury on his right side. The injury is not expected to keep him out of action on Sunday, when the 49ers travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Foster underwent an MRI examination and X-rays that showed no fractures.
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“He should be good to go,” Shanahan said on Monday. “We’ll re-check it (Tuesday). But he was real sore (Monday).”
Foster is not the only injury concern for the 49ers, as they prepare to face the Eagles, who own the league's best record at 6-1.
Nickel back K’Waun Williams (right quadriceps) and right guard Brandon Fusco (left biceps) are questionable to practice or play this week. And right tackle Trent Brown must be cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol in order to return to action.
Here are other updates from Shanahan’s weekly day-after-game press conference:
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Getting to the bottom of the infighting
Shanahan said he talked to some of the individuals who were seen engaged in what appeared to be heated confrontations on the field and sideline during 49ers’ blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He said he believes there will be no lingering issues.
In the midst of the 49ers’ 30-point loss at Levi’s Stadium, safety Jaquiski Tartt and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon appeared to be jawing at each other. Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong appeared to get involved in a confrontation with Tartt.
“A lot of what it sounded to me like was kind of typical stuff, when you are getting embarrassed like we were,” Shanahan said. “Guys do get frustrated.
“By no means is that stuff that I want. I'm looking for guys to make differences on the field. . . Guys were able to call each other up, a few players addressed it, got guys to cool down a little bit, and they went back and finished their jobs. I was glad they recovered from it.”
Beathard’s learning experience
Shanahan and quarterback C.J. Beathard shared a good experience in discussing in details of the rookie’s first career start, beginning in the hours after the game on Sunday night.
“It's always more fun to watch tape that you were successful in,” Shanahan said. “But it's also fun to watch tape with a guy who I know is soaking everything in. Just talking with him through text (Sunday) night, I could tell he was watching it a ton, having a bunch of questions even before we got in (Monday).
“It's always fun when you can get with a guy and you feel you have a chance to help him get better. I enjoy meeting with him because he asks good questions and I think he learns from every rep that he gets.”
Reid not satisfied with limited role
Two weeks ago, Reid expressed his expectation that he would return to his starting role upon getting cleared to play after missing three games with a knee injury. But that has not been the case.
Tartt has continued to start at strong safety. And Reid has filled, in essence, a linebacker-type role when the 49ers go with extra defensive backs in passing situations.
“I'm not concerned about that,” Shanahan said. “If Eric wasn't happy with his role, I hope he'd come and talk to me about it. And we'd have a real good talk about that.
“I think Tartt's played at a very high level for us while Eric has been out, too. We're just trying to figure out the best way to get our best 11 out there.”
Shanahan provides history lesson
The 49ers paid tribute Sunday to Dwight Clark, who announced this year he was diagnosed with ALS. Nearly all the players from the 1981 Super Bowl team was at Levi’s Stadium to show their support. Shanahan took the opportunity to tell the current team about the organization’s rise to its first Super Bowl.
In 1979, Bill Walsh’s first season, the 49ers went 2-14. The next year, the club finished 6-10. In Walsh’s third year, the 49ers won the Super Bowl.
“I just thought it was neat for our players to hear,” Shanahan said. “I think people do get down and (feel as if) the whole world's caving I, and I understand that because it does feel that way. But, also, don't lose perspective.
“To me it's part of a process that is very important. And I wish it could be another way, but this is the way it is. And I feel I can handle anything. I really believe that. And I believe I'm hoping we've got the right guys in the room that can handle anything, too.”