KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After grabbing a team-high four interceptions in training-camp practices, 49ers inside linebacker Reuben Foster had a chance for his first pick in a real NFL game Friday night.
And he couldn’t corral it.
“A lot of guys were teasing me about the pass breakup,” Foster said. “I could have caught a pick. They were talking about all the picks at practice and I can’t catch one in the game when the lights come on.”
Foster, the No. 31 overall pick, did get a pass breakup when he knocked away Alex Smith’s pass intended for tight end Demetrius Harris on the first drive of the 49ers’ 27-17 preseason win over the Chiefs.
But Foster desperately wanted the interception.
“I was mad at myself,” Foster said. “I could have caught a pick.”
Foster is particularly eager to get an interception because he’s never had one in an organized game.
That’s right: Foster didn’t have an interception at Alabama, in high school, or in pee-wee ball.
“Never,” he said. “Never in my life.”
Foster said he had chances for several interceptions at Alabama, but played part of last year with a chipped bone in his left hand.
“I should have had a lot of picks on college,” Foster said. “I had a club on, but I’m not going to blame it on the club … It is a pretty good excuse.”
Despite his missed opportunity, Foster was pleased with his exhibition debut. He finished with two tackles while playing the entire first half.
“I hope I did great,” Foster said. “We’ll find out tomorrow when we watch the film.”
Twitter: @Eric_Branch
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