San Francisco 49ers rookie Jarryd Hayne could finally have the chance to play big minutes for the club when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday at Levi’s Stadium. Hayne has been playing limited action for the 49ers as running back and punt returner but with injuries hitting San Francisco, the Australian rugby league star could finally have a breakout game in the NFL 2015-2016 season.

According to San Jose Mercury News, Hayne took first snaps during the team’s Thursday practice session with star running back Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush sidelined. The Daily Telegraph reported that Hyde could not complete the 49ers’ practice and walked off the field cautiously. On the other hand, Bush--the team’s second running back, aggravated a calf injury in San Francisco’s 30-27 loss against the New York Giants. The report noted that Bush seems unlikely to play against the Ravens on Monday.

The 49ers’ injuries could give Hayne an increased role at the running back position, where he almost scored his first NFL career touchdown. The 27-year-old Aussie was four yards short from the end zone after being stopped by Giants defenders. He followed it up with a 1-yard gain that setup a touchdown pass from star quarterback Colin Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin.

However, coach Jim Tomsula is still optimistic about having Hyde and Bush for his side come game time. According to Matt Barrows of Sacramento Bee, Tomsula “fully expects” a game appearance from Hyde, the 49ers’ top rusher and the seventh-leading rusher in NFL. Tomsula also added that team’s trainers continue to work with the re-injured calf of Bush.

While some pundits and fans expect Hayne to suit up more playing time on the pitch, Niners radio KNBR writer Dieter Kurtenbach believes Hayne is harming the 49ers’ chance of winning games and thinks the Australian rookie sensation should not play on game days.

“Hayne has to be the third option at running back for the Niners, and if Bush plays, his calf is too big a risk to keep the Australian active,” Kurtenbach wrote. “There are other guys who can return punts, but the 49ers need a backup running back, and it’s clear that Hayne is not the man for the job.”

San Francisco will have a chance to break their four-game winning streak when they play the Ravens, who are also struggling to pile up victories, carrying a record of one loss and four wins.

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