The wait is over for Alabama fans wanting to see how Reuben Foster will follow up his outstanding rookie season.

Foster rejoined the San Francisco 49ers this week after serving his two-game suspension for violating NFL policies regarding personal conduct and substance abuse.

“It was like a holiday, just knowing I can come back and play the game I love, for real,” Foster said while meeting with reporters Thursday. “I’m happy, just to be happy-go-jolly, just playing the cards right, doing good off the field and on the field. Just going to do nothing off the field so I won’t be ‘off the field.’”

49ers coaches said Foster is in the running to start against explosive Kansas City on Sunday, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time.

Despite battling an injury in the front half of last season, Foster finished the year with 72 total tackles and a pass breakup through 10 games. The former Butkus Award winner looks poised to became one of the league’s best linebackers, and his path toward that starts Sunday.