Since October, Jarryd Hayne has been in training for 49ers practice squad. This comes despite being among the 53-squad team for 49ers but would later be demoted to the practicing squad. The former Australian Rugby player was given the two months to have an expanded training on Football before making any entry in the pitch. His promotion followed an injury by guard Alex Boone who was placed among the reserves before he heals his knee. However, the D-day dawned for him and was in the match day squad to face Detroit Lions.
In their 32-17 loss, Hayne showed his amazing skills and was on the spotlight by making a total of 5 receptions and 9 carriers which total to 47 yards along the running back. This was inclusive for his outstanding 11 yard run that resulted positively with 49ers first touchdown. He also showed a classical five-yard reception but would later be pinned down by linebacker Tahir Whitehead.
During the preseason, Hayne was outstanding in all games making a number of appealing runs from his running back position and as a punt returner. This was however not the case at the beginning of the regular season for he made several fumbles with three punts where he lost one in his initial six games. Nonetheless, he finished with average returns of 9.5 yards. Injuries possessed by 49ers seem to give him a second opportunity to prove himself.
The team has a long list of injured players with the likes of Carlos Hyde suffering from a foot injury and Reggie Bush with a knee problem out for the rest of the season. Their replacements Shaun Draughn who made appearance in the first initial games got a knee problem while Mike Davis suffering from a hand injury is not expected back in the pitch no sooner than next week.
Promotion of Hayne comes at the ideal time despite the team having a new recruit DuJuan Harris who was signed last week as well as the services of running back Kendall gaskins. If Hayne is involved in various games after week 17, 49ers will have all the rights to possess him. If this doesn’t happen however, the team will accord him with reserve contract with hopes that he will make the cut for the official NFL squad when regular season resumes.
This article is published in: News, Sports Betting
Tags: injury, NFL
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