NFL News: San Francisco 49ers rookie Jarryd Hayne could get more playing time against Arizona Cardinals

Aussie rugby league star Jarryd Hayne could get more playing time when San Francisco 49ers face Arizona Cardinals on Monday at University of Phoenix Stadium. Hayne was reportedly headed into the team’s inactive list of players, but with veteran running back and punt returner Reggie Bush missing Friday’s practice, the Australian sensation could be bound for more touches on the pitch.

After an impressive preseason showing with the 49ers that led Hayne to the team’s 53-man roster, the former Eel is finding the NFL regular season far more difficult. Hayne was able to continue his remarkable stunt as punt returner in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, but the 27-year-old Aussie only managed minimal touches in San Francisco’s crushing loss against Pittsburgh.

However, in his third game with the 49ers, Hayne could be back in the fold to take more touches on the field as Bush and Bruce Ellington appear questionable against the Cardinals.

According to ESPN, Bush was listed doubtful for the 49ers after missing practice again on Friday, while Ellington, who suffered an ankle injury, is questionable for the game. Bush has not suited up since straining his left calf on the second carry for the club in their season-opening triumph against the Vikings.

Coach Jim Tomsula said that the 49ers will move to use Bush if he is “feeling really good,” but insisted he would not settle for someone who is not fully recovered yet. “We haven’t had him in practice, but we’ve had him in our workouts … we could probably do one of those 80-percenter things and I’m not interested in 80 percent,” Tomsula said, ESPN reported. “To me, 80 percent starts to linger.”

While there is a chance Hayne could play against the Cardinals come game time, he would still be limited within the special teams. In the 49ers’ defeat against the Steelers, the team picked Mike Davis as the primary running back, while DeAndrew White took the punt returning role.

Sacramento Bee 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows said the 49ers do not trust Hayne yet as the first option for running back.

“He’s got toughness and speed and size and you just don’t find that very often,” Barrows said, reports Fox Sports . “But they just don’t trust him at this point. He’s not a refined running back.”

Meanwhile, Carlos Hyde is expected to be back for the 49ers after leaving Sunday’s game with leg and head injuries. According to 49ers injury report , Hyde was a full participant in the team’s Wednesday practice session. Hyde proved during his Week 1 performance against the Vikings that he could be the 49ers’s most talented offensive player.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au , or let us know what you think below.