Jarryd Hayne’s NFL career is far from dead

JARRYD Hayne’s dumping from the 49ers’ active roster actually had nothing to do with him needing to learn the game.

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 18: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after the 49ers beat the Baltimore Ravens at Levi's Stadium on October 18, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

JARRYD Hayne has been told he still features prominently in the 49ers’ plans.

San Francisco offensive co-ordinator Geep Chryst has given the Australian a vote of confidence that he is ready to play in the NFL right now despite the franchise this week snubbing the 27-year-old to recruit former Baltimore running back DuJuan Harris

It came as Chryst revealed Hayne was actually dropped from the active roster because of his three dropped punts as a kick returner — not because of his lack of knowledge about his role as a running back.

Chryst said on Thursday AEDT Hayne “definitely fits in” at the 49ers.

The 49ers could be forced to promote Hayne to their 53-man squad to take on the Lions on Sunday with the team’s top running back Shaun Draughn missing another practice and team walk-through.

Draughn suffered a sprained knee last weekend and is rated “day-to-day”.

The 49ers suit up three running backs each game and if Draughn is ruled out it leaves just Hayne, Kendall Gaskins and new recruit Harris available.

A question mark also hangs over Harris because he only joined the team on Tuesday so he would not be fully up to speed on the 49ers’ playbook.

Finally some good news.

“No,” was Chryst’s reply when asked if the 49ers’ coaches believed Hayne was not ready to play in the NFL.

“I think we know who Jarryd is.”

The 49ers’ decision to sign Harris instead of plucking Hayne out of the practice squad for the Lions game was viewed by some San Francisco media members as an indication of the team’s lack of faith in the Australian.

Chryst’s answer contrasts with special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey who last week said the Sydney-raised rugby league star “needs to learn how to play football” with a stint on the practice squad.

Hayne has been on the practice squad since November 2.

This suddenly seems an age ago.

The 49ers’ other running backs Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush are injured while Mike Davis, after breaking his hand, won’t be available to play until January 3, the final game of the season. Chryst also gave some insight into why Hayne was cut from the 53-man team.

It appears it was Hayne’s three dropped balls as a punt returner on the special teams unit, not his lack of knowledge as a running back, that led to his relegation to the practice squad.

Chryst said often the players who make it into the 46-man squads for games not only have to show their value in specialist positions like running back, but on special teams.

#49ers OC Geep Chryst on RB Jarryd Hayne possibly being activated: "I think it comes down to special-teams."

— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) December 23, 2015

49ers Jarryd Hayne draws compliments from OC Geep Chryst, says any chance at promotion depends if he can fit on spcial teams

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 23, 2015

49ers OC Geep Chryst suggests special-teams versatility had more to do team signing DuJuan Harris over Jarryd Hayne, https://t.co/2ca7Nd9n6d

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) December 23, 2015

It has been special teams co-ordinator McGaughey who has been the most openly critical of Hayne.

“Jarryd definitely fits in,” Chryst, continuing his upbeat assessment, said.

“We’re excited about his future, but I think it comes down to maybe what the special teams roles are and who’s going to get that uniform of 46, not just the 53.”

Bruce Ellington replaced Hayne as the return specialist earlier this season, limiting Hayne to just six NFL matches.

— with AAP