Jarryd Hayne has re-joined the active roster of the San Francisco 49ers after being demoted to the practice squad earlier this year.
The Australian Rugby League star played in six games for the 49ers to start the year but ultimately wasn’t ready to be featured. After clearing waivers he was signed to the practice squad where he honed his craft and bided his time.
Earlier this week head coach Jim Tomsula spoke about the progress he’d seen Hayne make but wasn’t yet ready to make a move roster-wise.
“Jarryd is doing a really good job,” he said on Thursday, via the Sydney Morning Herald. “He is getting better, but we’re going to see where everybody is and we’ll let you know from there. I don’t have to make a decision on any of that until Saturday.”
Now it’s Saturday, and the decision has been made to promote Hayne back to the active roster.
The converted rugby star wowed us during the preseason with an outstanding return game and surprisingly good between-the-tackles rushing abilities, finishing with more yards per carry than anyone else in preseason play with over 25 carries.
Unfortunately his preseason success didn’t carry over into the regular season. He averaged just 3.1 yards per rush and muffed a few punts, looking very much like a rookie who didn’t feel comfortable with his role.
San Francisco’s corps of running backs has been hit hard by injuries this year, however, and the loss of Shaun Draughn this week provided Hayne with the opportunity to get back into the action.