One of the more interesting stories this year underwent a revision when the 49ers cut rugby sensation-turned-backup running back Jarryd Hayne, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
The 27-year-old cross-sport prospect played in seven games with the 49ers, receiving eight carries and rushing for 25 yards. In his place, the team brought up Kendall Gaskins from the practice squad.
San Francisco hopes Hayne clears waivers and thus can be re-signed to the 49ers’ practice squad on Monday, per Maiocco, but Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee can see the non-traditional player being picked up by the Seahawks before then (Twitter link).
The move stems from Carlos Hyde being ruled out for Week 8, and possibly needing multiple weeks of rest, and the 49ers likely needing running backs with more experience playing the position. Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk notes the rugby standout struggled to get up to speed in the return game and run game but also doesn’t doubt some team will take a chance on him via waiver claim.
Behind Hyde, only Reggie Bush, Mike Davis and now Gaskins remain, making this now probably the thinnest backfield situation in the league during Hyde’s absence. Bush only has eight carries for 28 yards this season.
Gaskins is a 24-year-old undrafted free agent who’s played on three teams — the Giants, Titans and 49ers — since 2013 but has no NFL carries.
This move was stupid. Gaskins is not better than hayne
It what way does this better us? Still have Devey and Pears.
Short term gain in a losing season for a long term loss to another franchise if Hayne gets picked up by someone else. Wouldn’t it be better to try him at running back to see whether he can actually cut it. Another short-sighted move.