Jarryd

Hayne

A former Rugby star, Hayne has delivered a lot more column inches than yards to this point in his career, but the 49ers are obviously hoping that changes in the near future. It is possible Hayne carves out a role on special teams, but he still has a long way to go as a running back. It is unlikely he makes an offensive impact this year.

His plan is to train for the Olympics in rugby. “We fully support Jarryd’s decision to pursue another dream - representing the Fiji Rugby Sevens team in this summer’s Olympic games,” GM Trent Baalke said in a statement. “We look forward to watching him in Rio and wish him continued success.” Previously a pro rugby player, 28-year-old Hayne spent one season with the 49ers, appearing in eight games and rushing 17 times for 52 yards. He also returned eight punts for 76 yards.

Hayne participated in minicamp before returning home to Australia to go under the knife. The former rugby star is trying to carve out a role on special teams. He’s a work in progress on offense, as coaches have been on Hayne for running too high. If he’s to make the team, he’ll need to impress as a gunner.

The former rugby star will serve as the Niners’ primary return man in his NFL debut. Hayne is listed as No. 3 on San Francisco’s running back depth chart though most of the work will go to starter Carlos Hyde and third-down back Reggie Bush.

The ex-rugby player made one of the plays of the game when he used the big-hit stick on Bolts DB Lowell Rose at the end of a 12-yard reception. Hayne was signed to primarily contribute on special teams, but he wraps up the preseason with 25 carries for 175 yards (7.00 YPC). Adept at making the first defender miss, Hayne’s 53-man roster odds are looking mighty good.

Hayne worked as the 49ers’ No. 2 back -- ahead of fourth-round pick Mike Davis -- and busted a 53-yard run to get the crowd roaring in the first half. He managed a combined ten yards on his other four carries. An Australian rugby player, Hayne chipped in on special teams with a 33-yard punt returner. Hayne is shaping up as a legitimate candidate to make the 49ers’ roster.

Hayne blew up this preseason with a 7.0 YPC mark on 25 carries and flashed playmaking ability on returns. But special teams coach Thomas McGaughey mentioned DeAndrew White, Reggie Bush, and Bruce Ellington as returners. Bush is definitely ahead of Hayne at tailback, and Mike Davis may be as well.

The ex-rugby star forced his way on with an eye-popping preseason. Hayne made big plays on returns, and rolled up 175 yards rushing on just 25 carries (7.00 YPC). He’s not going to be in for a big early-season role on offense, but Hayne has legit playmaking ability.

Hayne is a 27-year-old Australian rugby star trying to make the leap to the NFL. He also drew interest from the Lions and Seahawks. Hayne stands in at 6'2/220. He’s expected to compete for a special teams role as a gunner and return man. We advise typing his name in on YouTube and watching his rugby highlights.

Hayne was cut on Saturday to make room for RB Kendall Gaskins. Now with Carlos Hyde (foot), Reggie Bush (torn ACL), and Mike Davis (broken hand) out, Hayne could get the promotion later in the week to serve as the No. 3 runner behind Gaskins and free-agent addition Shaun Draughn.