Former Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne endured a trying debut season in the NFL, and will be hoping that 2016 proves to be more fruitful. The NRL convert played just six games in 2015 before being cut from San Francisco’s active roster and signed to their practice squad. Hayne did make the team again towards the end of the season, playing in a further two matches.
With the 49ers ringing the changes following their poor 2015 season, questions surround Hayne’s future in the NFL. Coach Jim Tomsula was fired by the franchise just hours after their season ended, and has been replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
Kelly is known as a hands-on coach whose inventive offense could prove beneficial for Hayne. Although the Aussie isn’t guaranteed a spot on the 49ers squad for next season, San Francisco holds the rights to call him to their training camp, and Hayne has said he wants to return to the side.
Because of his non-existent NFL background, San Francisco’s coaching staff seemed unsure of where to play Hayne last year, and his playing position for next year remains up in the air. His most natural position seems to be punt returner, due to the similarities with his time as a fullback in the NRL.
Hayne has spoken of enjoying playing at wide receiver, but he has struggled to follow his running routes accurately at that position. It may be that he simply returns as a running back, where he played the majority of 2015 from, and that Kelly finds a way to make use of his unorthodox skill set.
NFL fans will have a better idea of Hayne’s future when team activities resume at the end of April. When more news on Hayne’s 2016 season breaks, we will update this page.
Hayne’s 2015-16 NFL Schedule
Week | Opponent | Date | Time (AEST) | TV |
Week 1 | Vikings | Tues 15/9 | 12:20 pm | Foxtel |
Week 2 | Steelers | Mon 21/9 | 3:00 am | 7mate |
Week 3 | Cardinals | Mon 28/9 | 6:05 am | 7mate |
Week 4 | Packers | Mon 5/10 | 7:25 am | 7mate |
Week 5 | Giants | Mon 12/10 | 11:30 am | 7mate |
Week 6 | Ravens | Mon 19/10 | 7:30 am | 7mate |
Week 6 | Seahawks | Friday 23/10 | 11:25 am | NA |
Week 8 | Rams | Mon 2/11 | 5:00 am | 7mate |
Week 9 | Falcons | Mon 9/11 | 6:05am | 7mate |
Week 10: | BYE | |||
Week 11 | Seahawks | Mon 23/11 | 8:30 am | 7mate |
Week 12 | Cardinals | Mon 30/11 | 6:05 am | 7mate |
Week 13 | Bears | Mon 7/12 | 5:00 am | 7mate |
Week 14 | Browns | Mon 14/12 | 5:00 am | 7mate |
Week 15 | Bengals | Mon 21/12 | 12:30 am | 7mate |
Week 16 | Lions | Mon 28/12 | 5:00 am | 7mate |
Week 17 | Rams | Mon 4/1 | 8:30 am | 7mate |