San Francisco 49ers finally bring back Jarryd Hane

Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne (38) carries the ball as New York Giants middle linebacker Uani

Former Australian National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne was given a chance to make the San Francisco 49ers this season. And after a dazzling display of broken field running during the preseason, he made it. But once the regular season began, he struggled with his special teams role, fumbling three times as a punt returner, including his first attempt in the season opener.

So after Week 6, he was cut and signed to the 49ers’ practice squad after clearing waivers. Running backs Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush are both out and the 49ers have been out of the playoff for a while now. So you’d think Hayne should have been back to the active squad and develop the talent he has.

But it didn’t go down like that as the 49ers opted to develop him on their practice squad first. But with two games left, Hayne was brought back up to the active roster to show his development. This comes at the same time he 49ers place guard Alex Boone(knee) on injured reserve.

The Aussie told the Sacramento Bee of his development to date, “I think anyone who’s seen my growth will tell you how much I’ve changed and developed. And it’s always funny, looking at old film, it’s one of those awkward things … ‘What was I thinking? Or, ‘What was I doing?’ It’s hilarious.”

Right now, no one knows what Hayne’s role might be in his return to the 49ers’ active roster. With the way Bruce Ellington is doing with his chance to return punts, Hayne could reclaim that job.  The 49ers have already ruled out running back Shaun Draughn for Sunday’s game with the Detroit Lions so Hayne could also see time there.

It’s good to see the world-class rugby player get another shot!