The only way to be 95%* sure your player will play the whole game is to set them as Starter/Backup/Reserve, as you have done, play Strictly Follow Depth Chart, only dress nine players (so only have four on the bench) and assign the bench players specifically to be subs at the other four positions.
Otherwise, as soon as garbage time begins (if it does), the player you want to play 48 minutes will be subbed out.
Regarding him fouling out, you won't lose the game if he does.
Coach will decide the best player to replace him, choosing from the four players on the bench. If you have no players available, a Lucky Fan will enter the game.
Does that all make sense?
*Note: there is still an odd chance that the player will get subbed out for a minute or two... no one has figured out a way to avoid this entirely.
Last edited by Iguanadon Joe at 1/8/2014 12:20:35 PM