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Key matchups ahead of 49ers-Redskins

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Rookie Reuben Foster might be picking the wrong team and the wrong game to come back from injury. With two excellent tight ends, and a quick, pass-catching running back, the Redskins specialize in trying to embarrass linebackers in pass coverage.

Foster is returning from a season-long ankle sprain, which he sustained 11 plays deep into the opening game of the season. He has spent the last month recovering from the injury and will likely play this Sunday in Washington against tight ends Jordan Reed and former 49er Vernon Davis. The Redskins also like to employ running back Chris Thompson often in the passing game, and in fact, he’s leading the team in catches with 14 for 235 and two touchdowns.

Thompson is a nightmare in space, and the 49ers have struggled tackling running backs after short passes. Thompson is averaging a ridiculous 16.8 yards a catch coming out of the backfield.

“They utilize both (tight ends) in certain ways to make sure they create mismatches for sure,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “But a match-up where they have a favorable match-up.”

By putting Thompson, Reed and Davis on the field at once, most defenses are forced to be a linebacker on one of those players, and that’s where quarterback Kirk Cousins can pick the match-up he likes.

“Even that little number 25 (Thompson) out of the backfield, it’s an exciting challenge,” Saleh said.. “Anytime the more weapons you have, obviously, it’s more of a problem.”

The 49ers have some weapons of their own, defensively, particularly Ray-Ray Armstrong, with his two interceptions in the last two games. To hear Saleh and coach Kyle Shanahan say it, Armstrong, NaVorro Bowman and Foster will log time at inside linebacker. All of them will be greatly challenged to put up with the speed of Washington’s back and tight ends.