Former Alabama, NFL linebacker Reuben Foster signing with USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers in comeback bid

Reuben Foster hasn’t seen a football field since 2018 when he was with San Francisco. A domestic violence charge got him waived by the 49ers while a placement on the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List by the league kept him off the field after being claimed by Washington. A significant knee injury also did not help his case to remain in the NFL.

Now, after four years, the former first-round pick out of Alabama is making an attempt to return to the sport. Per Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network, he has signed to play for the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL in hopes of making a case to teams that he is ready and able to play again.

Comeback: Former first-round LB Reuben Foster, attempting to return to the NFL field after a serious knee injury, will sign with the USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers, source said. His opportunity this Spring to show NFL teams he's ready to play.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2023

Foster, a native of Auburn, Alabama, was a five-star prospect in 2013 as a Top-15 player and Top-3 linebacker. In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 223 tackles and seven sacks.

That production made Foster the 31st selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. In 16 career games with San Francisco, he produced 101 tackles and a pair of pass deflections.

While he hasn’t played since October 28th, 2018, Foster did work out with the Seattle Seahawks back in July last year in the first chance at his comeback. He also had worked out with the Miami Dolphins earlier in April. Now, the 28-year old is taking his talents to a different league in order to show what he’s still got.

Report: DeMeco Ryans emerging as ‘top candidate’ for Houston Texans head coaching position

The Houston Texans are about to hire their third coach in the last three years, after letting both David Culley and Lovie Smith go after one season each as head coach. According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Houston’s new man could be San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

Here was Rapoport’s report of a possible Ryans move to Houston, which he tweeted out on Friday afternoon:

“49ers DC DeMeco Ryans has emerged as a top candidate for the #Texans, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. He’s expected to meet with Houston at some point next week after the game. There is mutual interest and if all goes well, he could be their next head coach.”

Obviously, Ryans has an NFC title game to coach in this week before assessing any head coaching offers. But after their game with the Eagles, win or lose, Ryans will meet with the Texans about possibly becoming their next head coach.