This summer, Jarryd Hayne has been the 49ers’ best story.
The former Australian rugby star morphed from long shot to sure shot with terrific performances in his first two preseason games as a punt returner and running back.
Through three exhibitions, Hayne leads the 49ers in rushing (15 carries for 117 yards) and punt returns (six for an average of 20 yards).
He’s shown great vision, daring and speed – along with sure hands – to make sensational plays in the open field.
As Chris Wesseling of NFL.com wrote after Hayne’s second game, Hayne “is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most exciting open-field runners.”
After games against the Broncos and Cowboys, it was assumed by most observers that Hayne had become a lock to make the opening-day roster.
Yet on Tuesday, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula disputed a Twitter report from Australia that Hayne already has been assured a roster spot, and that he'll survive the final cut-down day – following the team’s fourth preseason game Thursday night against the Chargers.
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“I don’t know what the rules are in the media in Australia, but you might want to fact check,” Tomsula told Bay Area station KNBR. “The 53 is not set.”
If that’s the case, then the question for the 49ers is, why hasn’t Hayne yet earned a roster spot?
In an offseason and training camp filled with nothing but discouraging news, Hayne has been the brightest, happiest storyline. If anyone should have proven that he deserves a chance to make plays for this team in 2015, it’s Hayne.
Yet Tomsula told reporters this week that he wants to watch Hayne one more time against the Chargers to see what kind of progress he’s made in other areas of his game, presumably pass blocking and route running.
Said Tomsula: “I will say he’s busting his tail in those other areas.”
Meanwhile, Hayne’s teammates seem to be sure he’ll make the team. They’ve been impressed with everything he’s done. Veteran tight end Vernon Davis says he has unique talents.
“When it comes to Jarryd Hayne, he’s tough, he’s physical, he’s relentless, he’s passionate and he’s just a special and unique player,” he told Australian media this week. “His ability to make guys miss and run really well with the football in his hands is, I mean, it’s amazing. It’s amazing to see that.”
Even if the 49ers won’t admit it publicly, Hayne must certainly have earned a chance to play for them this season – no matter what he does against the Chargers.
Niners fans have to hope the Hayne train continues to roll on through September and October, despite Tomsula’s cautionary quote. The 53 might not be set, but the one – Hayne – should be.
