Hayne's NFL return could be short-lived

Jarryd Hayne tries to break a tackle from Nevin Lawson of the Detroit Lions. Photo / Getty

Jarryd Hayne's return to the San Francisco 49ers' NFL game day squad could be short-lived.

A week ago the 49ers were faced with an injury-ravaged running back unit that forced them to promote Hayne off the practice squad and sign DuJuan Harris from the Baltimore Ravens.

For this Monday's season finale against the St Louis Rams, 49ers coach Jim Tomsula could have five healthy running back options to fill the three spots he takes into each game.

Shaun Draughn, a sprained knee, and Mike Davis, a broken hand, could be available to take on the Rams at the 49ers' Levi's Stadium. If Draughn is fit, Tomsula is likely to play him.

The coach has raved about Draughn, an NFL journeyman, who became the 49ers' top running back option since signing with the team in early November.

That would likely squeeze out one of the three running backs Tomsula took into Sunday's 32-17 loss to the Detroit Lions - Hayne, Harris and Kendall Gaskins.

Tomsula has been more reserved about Davis, telling reporters he would not rush Davis back to the field until he was ready.

Hayne was the surprise choice as the 49ers' starting running back in Detroit and carried most of the load, playing 35 of the team's 59 offensive snaps.

The former NRL star had his best game of the regular season with five receptions and nine carries for a combined 47 yards, including an 11-yard run to set up the 49ers' first touchdown.

Tomsula gave Hayne a lukewarm compliment in the post game press conference, telling reporters: "I thought he represented himself well."

The coach, who often goes out of his way to not personally criticise his players in front of the media, did single Hayne out for falling short of a first down marker on a key play late in the game.

"Jarryd just has to get to the sticks," Tomsula said. "He has to run the route to the sticks."

It was Tomsula who felt the heat of reporters' questions on Monday, with speculation he will be sacked after leading the team to an 11 loss, four win season.

Tomsula said he expects to be the 49ers' coach next season.

"Yeah, I'm the coach until someone tells me I'm not," Tomsula said.

-AAP