49ers' Foster expected to return from ankle sprain vs. Cowboys

San Francisco 49ers first-round linebacker Reuben Foster is expected to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in his first game since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 1.

"As long as there aren't any setbacks here in the next 48 hours, I feel pretty confident," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday about Foster's chances to play.

Foster's return would come at a much-needed time for the 49ers, after they released starting All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman last week.

Without Foster or Bowman in the lineup last week, the 49ers struggled mightily against the Washington Redskins' running backs, and will need Foster for plenty of snaps against Ezekiel Elliott this Sunday.