Jarryd Hayne to 49ers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Former National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne announced the San Francisco 49ers signed him to their practice squad Monday.

Hayne, who made the team out of training camp, was released Oct. 31 after struggling to find his place on the roster.

San Francisco tried him at running back and as a punt returner, but despite flashes of athletic ability, he did not produce enough to solidify a role.

The decision to sign Hayne after he cleared waivers could have been aided by the fact the 49ers fear running back Reggie Bush suffered a torn ACL, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, after slipping on concrete following a punt return against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Starter Carlos Hyde is also banged up and missed the game against the Rams.

It's a sticky running back situation for the 2-6 49ers. With Bush and Hyde out and Hayne cut, they registered just 38 yards on the ground against the Rams, with 28 coming from quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The team did announce they signed veteran running back Shaun Draughn Monday. He was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 20.

Hayne, who had no American football experience before signing with San Francisco, got off to an auspicious start in his first game in Week 1, muffing a punt. Despite rushing for just 25 yards on eight carries before being cut, he did average 9.5 yards on eight punt returns, including a long of 37 yards.

His NFL numbers were not great, but he came to the league a decorated Rugby star. He won the Dally M Medal in 2009 and 2014, which is the NRL's equivalent of Most Valuable Player. He also was named the 2009 Rugby League International Federation's International Player of the Year.

It's hard to say at this point if Hayne will ever see the field again as a member of the 49ers active roster. His inexperience is unique, but his athletic ability is unquestioned. 

Kaepernick was impressed with Hayne during training camp, per Fox Sports' Cam Inman: “Very talented. Very gifted naturally,” Kaepernick said of Hayne. “He’s progressed a great deal since the spring."

If the injuries continue to pile up, look for Hayne to possibly get a second chance. However, the signing of Draughn shows they aren't ready just yet to extend that chance to Hayne.