There are two major injury concerns with Reuben Foster.
Ryan Pace has to be severely cautious about injured players after Kevin White. Foster has significant injury concerns, and there’s no way he can be the first round pick.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Former Alabama LB Reuben Foster recently had right rotator cuff surgery, a league source said. Teams were informed of the surgery.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) February 13, 2017
A rotator cuff is not normally a huge issue, but as recent as this week there were reports that Foster wasn’t healing well.
Concussions
Apparently Foster also has a concussion history with which to be concerned. It’s happened enough that it’s almost a joke in the state, but most barbs come from Auburn fans. The most recent concussion came last year against Arkansas.
Two years prior, this tweet – admittedly from an Auburn fan – raises an eyebrow about the question, “Exactly how many times has Reuben Foster been concussed?”
Reuben Foster with a big hit and what looks to be his 17th concussion of his college career.
— Freeze Warning (@AuburnOvertime) November 22, 2014
Previous to that, due to contact in the Spring 2014 A-Day game, he received his first documented collegiate concussion.
Nick Saban says Reuben Foster had a "slight concussion" after a collision in the A-Day game.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) April 22, 2014
His concussion history goes back to at least his high school days.
End of 3rd quarter 21-20 West team up. Hearing that Troup Co. LB Reuben Foster is out with concussion-like symptoms. #RisingSeniors.
— Kipp Adams (@KippLAdams) December 31, 2011
His concussion history is often discussed, and virtually never discussed without it being referenced in the plural. There’s definitely two on his record, and likely more. After all, he’s also had several “stingers.” Those “stingers” usually come as the result of head/neck trauma, and that is precisely how Foster delivers his most obliterating hits.
Long story short, Reuben Foster is low on the priority list for the Bears, there are better players at more deficient positions available, and his injury concern is too great. Ryan Pace and John Fox would be crazy to draft Foster at #3, or anywhere else in the first round.