Jarryd Hayne Promoted to 49ers Active Roster: Latest Details, Reaction

The San Francisco 49ers have promoted running back Jarryd Hayne to the active roster and placed offensive lineman Alex Boone on injured reserve to account for the move.

Hayne will play Sunday vs. the Detroit Lions, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.

The move is a last-ditch effort provide more depth to what’s arguably the league's most beleaguered backfield.

Starter Carlos Hyde was placed on injured reserve earlier in December with a foot injury, and backup Shaun Draughn has been ruled out vs. the Lions with a knee sprain.

Earlier this week, the 49ers signed Baltimore Ravens practice squad running back DuJuan Harris and waived Travaris Cadet.

Hayne, 27, gained preseason attention as a rugby star in Australia who transitioned to the NFL when signing with the 49ers in March. He played six games primarily on special teams then was waived on Oct. 31 and signed to the team’s practice squad two days later.

The 49ers have carried three running backs for each game, and with only Harris and Kendall Gaskins listed as active, the team needed an extra option should the backfield weather further attrition.

Hayne was the team’s primary return specialist but lost the gig after muffing three punts in six games. That role has since been relegated to wide receiver Bruce Ellington, and it remains unclear if head coach Jim Tomsula will adjust special teams personnel based on Hayne's last-minute promotion—or whether Hayne will play at all.

The Aussie is now listed on the team’s 53-man roster, but San Francisco will have until 45 minutes before kickoff to announce its 46-man team for Sunday’s game in Detroit.

The 49ers are 4-10, entrenched in last place in the NFC West and out of playoff contention. If Hayne is installed Sunday, he’ll need to fulfill expectations if called upon, as this could be his final NFL hoorah.