Earlier this week, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula told reporters that former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne had not yet locked in a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.
Though Hayne had been a sensation as a punt returner and ballcarrier, Tomsula said he still wanted to see Hayne improve in some areas.
After Thursday night’s final exhibition game, a 14-12 victory over the San Diego Chargers, however, there can be no doubt that Hayne will be a 49er when San Francisco opens its season on Monday night, Sept. 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Hayne – and several other 49ers – had big nights against the Chargers in their final preseason audition at Levi's Stadium.
Hayne carried the ball 10 times for 58 yards, including a 19-yarder, showed he can catch the ball out of the backfield with two catches for 17 yards – finishing off one run by lowering his shoulder to knock a would-be tackler to the turf – and had a 28-yard punt return.
Apparently, Hayne gave Tomsula everything he wanted to see.
Wrote the Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows on Twitter: “Jarryd Hayne showing off his cut-back ability again, also squaring his shoulders at the line of scrimmage, which was an issue previously.”
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Meanwhile, wide receivers Bruce Ellington and rookie undrafted free agent DeAndrew White stated their cases. Ellington caught three passes for 86 yards – 70 coming on a touchdown pass from rookie Dylan Thompson – while also returning a punt 26 yards. And White – who looks more and more likely to be on the final roster -- had two catches for 67 yards, three punt returns for an average of 23 yards, and a 26-yard kickoff return.
Following Thursday night’s game, the 49ers will have some decisions to make. The team must get down to 53 players by 1 p.m. Pacific time Saturday.
