49ers waive Jarryd Hayne, promote Kendall Gaskins

The San Francisco 49ers announced  that they have waived running back/punt returner Jarryd Hayne. The team signed the former Australian Rugby League star last year and saw a load of potential in the 27 year old's first foray into football. Hayne lit up the field during preseason with some impressive punt returns. Unfortunately, his inexperience and more pedestrian play along with the team's need to promote Kendall Gaskins meant a decision had to be made.

Hayne accumulated just 25 yards in 8 carries and 76 yards as a punt returner. In special teams, he seemed to struggle a bit more with his inexperience, but still showed  promise as a returner of the future. Unfortunately, with Carlos Hyde being declared out for Sunday's game against the St Louis Rams, the team had Mike Davis as the other running back behind Reggie Bush with experience.

Running back Kendall Gaskins has been activated off the practice squad and it seems the team is comfortable with Reggie Bush handling punt return duties going forward. Hayne is still eligible for the 49ers practice squad, however, he must first clear wavers with the other 31 teams. Given the promise that he has shown, there could be a good chance another team burns a roster spot just to continue the Rugby League star's development with no intention of playing him.

In any case, the Jarryd Hayne era has come to an end in San Francisco. For now.