The San Francisco 49ers announced their inactives 90 minutes before Monday Night Football, and Australian sensation Jarryd Hayne will suiting up. He is part of the active 46, which would seem to bode well for his chances to handle punt returns.
The team has been tight-lipped about Hayne's potential role, but he was a force in the preseason. He averaged 18.1 yards per punt return, and also had a 33 kick return. The team used him as a running back as well, and he was strong in that role. He averaged seven yards per rush and had a couple big runs. There are questions about his ability in pass protection, but the raw talent is very clear.
My guess is we see him in the four aspects of special teams, but little if any time as a running back. Carlos Hyde will handle the bulk of the work, and Reggie Bush will likely get a solid amount of work on third down.
The 49ers seven inactive players includes:
C Nick Easton
NT Mike Purcell
OL Brandon Thomas
WR DeAndrew White
CB Shareece Wright
OLB Corey Lemonier
RB Mike Davis
