The Hayne Plane is back in action

Australian NFL player Jarryd Hayne was dealt a bleak outlook when he was recently relegated to the practice squad for the San Francisco 49ers over a series of fumbles.

Hayne was previously active for the first six games of the season, during which he recorded eight carries for 25 yards, one catch for 7 yards, and seven punt returns for 72 yards.

Hayne, a day after getting called up from the practice squad, totaled a pedestrian 27 rushing yards and 20receiving yards as the 49ers surprise starter.

If Hayne doesn’t show the goods in Detroit he could find himself waived and back on the practice squad. He was signed to the team’s practice squad on November 2.

“I thought he represented himself well”, 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said after Sunday’s 32-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Who do you think will be the 49ers’ primary running back today? There is a chance Hayne might not take to the field against the Detroit Lions this weekend. The team placed Hyde, Reggie Bush and Mike Davis (short-term) on injured reserve this season.

The man from Down Under is back up on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.

Draughn started the past six games and probably played well enough to convince the 49ers he’s worth a closer look this offseason, but he was ruled out for Sunday’s game with a knee injury. If not, they are likely to offer him a future/reserve contract that, if signed, also would make him a 49er when the new season gets underway. Hayne has been out of favour with special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey and hasn’t been training as a punt returner in recent weeks.

Hayne said last week that he’s made significant strides in the sport and that he’s eager to return to the National Football League next season.