NFL rookie Jarryd Hayne could be headed back to the San Francisco 49ers, but only as a member of the team’s 10-man practice squad.

Hayne’s agent Jack Bechta confirmed that the Australian rugby league star was not claimed by any of the other 31 NFL teams after the 49ers waived him prior to the team’s 27-6 loss against the St Louis Rams. Hayne has been linked to a handful of NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

However, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, the Australian punter could be back with the 49ers after being unclaimed through the NFL’s waiver system on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).

“Hayne went unclaimed through the NFL’s waiver system on Monday, clearing his return to the 49ers,” Maiocco wrote. “The 49ers are certainly in the market for running back help.”

The 49ers are indeed in need of help at the running back position, with Reggie Bush suffering a potential career-ending injury against the Rams and fellow RB Mike Davis also sidelined with a wrist injury. Bush slipped over on a hard surface just off the playing field, which resulted in a suspected ACL tear. Carlos Hyde is also missing in action due to a nagging foot injury, leaving Jim Tomsula with Kendall Gaskins at his disposal for the running back role.

The series of injuries that plagued San Francisco could provide room for Hayne to return to the team’s playing roster. However, 49ers beat writer for Bay Area News Group Cam Inman believes Hayne could only suit up as part of San Francisco’s 10-man practice squad, with the club looking for veteran running backs.

Although the 49ers have opened a spot in their active roster after trading away tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos, Hayne will once again have to fight for the remaining slot, with the team planning to work out running backs Ben Tate and Shaun Draughn, according to Fox Sports.

Tate, currently a free agent, played 48 NFL games and has a record of 527 rush attempts and 2325 yards with a per yard average of 4.4. Draughn, meanwhile, was taken as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins in 2011 and has spent some time with several NFL teams.

However, Michael David Smith of NBC Sports suggests that the 49ers give Hayne another go since they are favourably inclined to rebuild for the franchise’s future.

“The 49ers aren’t going anywhere this season, so it makes sense that they’re focusing on building for the future,” Smith wrote. “Hayne is a player whose athletic talent gives him significant upside down the road, and so they might as well put him on the field this year and get him some experience, even if he’s not quite ready yet.”

With the 2015-2016 NFL season halfway through, the 49ers (2-6) have a slim to none chance of making it to the playoffs, but the Red and Gold could still improve their record when they face the Atlanta Falcons (6-2) in Week 9 at Levi’s Stadium.

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