This was published 8 years ago
Jarryd Hayne recalled to San Francisco 49ers active roster to play Detroit Lions
Jarryd Hayne fans might call his return to the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man squad a Christmas miracle.
Others upset at the injury-ravaged team's treatment of the former NRL star the past two months might call it karma.
The 49ers announced on Saturday they have promoted Hayne off their practice squad and inserted him back in their 53-man active roster, making him eligible to play the Detroit Lions on Sunday (Monday 5am AEDT).
The resurrection of Hayne's NFL career comes after the 49ers axed him on Halloween and two days later signed him to their practice squad.
Second chance? Jarryd Hayne in action against the Houston Texans in August.Credit: Getty Images
It also comes 10 days after special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey bluntly told reporters the Australian "needs to learn how to play football" and "it just didn't work out".
With two games left in the 49ers' losing season, Hayne has an opportunity to not only show the 49ers he is worthy of a 53-man squad slot, but also the Lions and 30 other NFL teams that could have signed him during his practice squad stint.
A year ago Detroit was the frontrunner to sign the former Parramatta Eel until the 49ers sweetened their offer with a $US100,000 ($137,500) guaranteed payment.
Hayne's return to the 49ers' 53-man squad doesn't ensure he will play the Lions.
The 49ers can only take 46 players into each game so Hayne will have to survive that cut which is announced 45 minutes before kickoff.
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Hayne's chances of being plucked from the practice squad and playing against the Lions skyrocketed when the 49ers' top running back in recent weeks Shaun Draughn was ruled out on Friday with a sprained knee.
That left just two fit running backs in the 49ers' 53-man squad - Kendall Gaskins and DuJuan Harris.
Since Hayne's axing, the 49ers lost running backs Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Mike Davis to injury and earlier this week cut underperforming free agent signing Travaris Cadet.
The 49ers usually take three running backs into each game, but if they don't play Hayne coach Jim Tomsula said the team could lean on wide receiver/punt returner Bruce Ellington and fullback Bruce Miler to step in to play the position.
After McGaughey's comments it will be interesting to see if the 49ers play Hayne at punt returner as well as running back.
Hayne, a pre-season sensation for the 49ers despite never playing an elite game of American football, was cut from the active roster after three dropped punts in the first six regular season games.
According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers will have the rights to Hayne for the 2016 season if he is on their active roster after Week 17, which starts January 4.
THE LOWDOWN: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
After two months of howls of protest and head-scratching from Hayne fans and media members in Australia and the US, the former rugby league star has been thrown an NFL lifeline and is eligible to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday (5am Monday AEDT).
ACTIVE ROSTER
NFL teams have 53 players on their active roster. Only 46 can play in games. There is a chance Hayne might not take to the field against the Detroit Lions this weekend. The 49ers will announce their 46 players just 45 minutes before kickoff.
PRACTICE SQUAD
This is where Hayne was stuck since November 2. Practice squad members can't play games, but train with the 53-man roster during the week, often used to simulate the team's next opponent.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Hayne was earning about $9100 a week on the practice squad. Now he is on the active roster he'll be cashing a more palatable $35,260 a week (yes, a week).
WHY WAS HAYNE ACTIVATED?
49ers running backs have almost become an extinct species. They've lost four to injury in recent weeks. While earlier in the season Hayne was favoured by the 49ers as a punt returner, they need a healthy running back this week to back up Kendall Gaskins and DuJuan Harris.
WILL HAYNE PLAY PUNT RETURNER IN DETROIT?
This will be interesting. Hayne was dumped to the practice squad after dropping three punts, but his replacement Bruce Ellington has since had his own hat-trick of spills.
Hayne averaged 9.5 yards per return. Ellington has just 7.6. That's why Hayne fans have been scratching their heads. 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.
BRIEF RETURN
If Hayne doesn't show the goods in Detroit he could find himself waived and back on the practice squad. Injured 49ers running back Mike Davis is eligible to return for next week's final game against St Louis.
DO 49ERS COACHES WANT HAYNE TO SUCCEED?
If Hayne has a big game in Detroit it will give more weight to the calls for the sacking of general manager Trent Baalke, coach Jim Tomsula, offensive co-ordinator Geep Chryst and McGaughey.
They've made many odd decisions during the 49ers' 10 loss, four win season. Hiding an offensive talent and game-breaker like Hayne on the practice squad when the team has the worst-ranked offence in the NFL is one more example.
HAYNE'S FUTURE
If Hayne stays on the active roster for next week's final game against St Louis the 49ers will control his rights. If not, he'll have more say where he can play.
AAP