Reuben Foster, take 3: linebacker to start against Cardinals

The staggered start to Reuben Foster's career will continue today.

The rookie linebacker is active and expected to start against the Arizona Cardinals, his third start of the season.

The previous two were cut short by injuries. Foster played 11 snaps in Week 1 before suffering a high-ankle sprain. He played 53 snaps in Week 7 against the Cowboys but left with a rib injury.

Foster likely will wear padding around his midsection to protect his rib area. He and Brock Coyle will start at inside linebacker for the 49ers.

As was the case last season, the inside linebacker spot has been in constant tumult this year due to injuries, the release of NaVorro Bowman and a brief conversion of Eric Reid to linebacker.

Reid played well there last week in Philadelphia, but safety Jimmie Ward's broken arm means Jaquiski Tartt will move to free safety and Reid will take over at strong safety for Tartt.

Along the offensive line, Trent Brown will make his first start of the season at left tackle. Undrafted rookie Erik Magnuson will play right tackle, his first NFL start. Brandon Fusco (biceps) will start the game at right guard.

The two backup linemen will be Zane Beadles and rookie Darrell Williams.

49ers inactives

OT Garry Gilliam

NT D.J. Jones

DE Aaron Lynch

OT Joe Staley

DL Solomon Thomas

NCB K’Waun Williams

DE Pita Taumoepenu

Cardinals inactives

WR Chad Williams

RB D.J. Foster

LB Scooby Wright

OL Daniel Munyer

OL Will Holden

TE Ricky Seals-Jones

DL Xavier Williams

This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 11:33 AM.