Niners’ Foster is NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

Ever since rookie linebacker Reuben Foster returned to the field in late October, the 49ers defense has been better."It's like having 12 people on the field," said defensive lineman Ronald Blair. "He's all over the place."Added head coach Kyle Shanahan: "The more speed and explosive talent you can get out there, the more you can contain guys who have speed and explosive talent. Reuben has got that as much as anyone on our team, so of course that helps."Over three November games (the 49ers had a bye week), Foster was outstanding. He was in on 14 tackles in a loss to the Cardinals, had 10 in the team's first win of 2017, over the Giants, and was in on six last time out against the Seahawks.In five games, Foster has 38 tackles (including three stuffed runs) and a pass defensed, and has impressed the Niners with the way he roams sideline to sideline to make plays. Even while missing six games, he is just 18 tackles behind rookie league leaders Jarrad Davis, a Lions linebacker, and Marcus Maye, a Jets safety.Thursday, Foster was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month. He is just the fifth 49ers defender ever to be selected an NFL Rookie of the Month, along with Patrick Willis,...