Get 49ers news in your inbox. Sign up now for the free 49ers HQ newsletter.

SANTA CLARA — Linebacker Reuben Foster expressed humility and accepted a two-game suspension Tuesday for the 49ers upcoming season, a punishment traced to two offseason arrests that initially put his career in jeopardy.

The NFL, as announced by the 49ers, suspended Foster without pay for violating its personal conduct and substance-abuse policies because of a weapons offense and misdemeanor drug possession. That statement had no mention of Foster’s domestic-violence charges that were dropped May 23 after his accuser, an ex-girlfriend, testified to falsifying her initial claims.

Foster did not appeal that two-game banishment, according to his agent, and thus will miss the Sept. 9 season opener at the Minnesota Vikings and the Sept. 16 home opener against the Detroit Lions.

“I accept the league’s decision and am sorry that my mistakes have hurt my team,” Foster said in a team-issued statement. “I have a responsibility to the 49ers, our fans and our community, and I am committed to learning from this situation and making better choices in the future.

“The support I have received over the last five months has been humbling, and I do not take it for granted.”

Foster, a first-round draft pick last year out of Alabama, also drew an unspecified fine for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He was arrested in January for second-degree marijuana possession in his former college base of Tuscaloosa, and he had that charge dismissed in May after completing a diversion course.

Foster is eligible to return before San Francisco’s Week 3 game at Kansas City. Like our San Francisco 49ers Facebook page for more 49ers news, commentary and conversation.

Foster can report with his teammates July 25 for training camp, and he can participate in all practices and exhibitions before Week 1 of the regular season.

Foster was the 49ers’ second-leading tackler his rookie season despite missing seven games to injury. Brock Coyle or rookie Fred Warner are the most likely candidates to replace Foster and start next to fellow inside linebacker Malcolm Smith the first two games.

“Although we are disappointed that Reuben will not be with our team for the first two games of the season, we will continue to work with him on making better decisions and eliminating unnecessary distractions,” general manager John Lynch said in a statement. “We are encouraged to see Reuben take responsibility for his mistakes, and hopeful that he has learned from them as well.”