San Francisco 49ers

Rookie Hayne drops behind Bush as 49ers' primary punt returner

Published Oct. 28, 2015 11:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

Rookie Jarryd Hayne's feel-good story appears to have hit a wall.

Hayne, the former Australian rugby star who made headlines by earning a spot on the 53-man roster with the San Francisco 49ers, seemingly has lost his job as the team's primary punt returner.

#49ers likely sticking with Reggie Bush as punt returner for second straight week, per special teams coach. That again could sideline Hayne
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 28, 2015

Veteran running back Reggie Bush fielded his first punt in four seasons last week and is expected to remain in that capacity for Sunday's matchup with the St. Louis Rams.

“I feel comfortable,” special teams coach Thomas McGaughey said of Bush, “and he feels really comfortable doing it.”

Hayne, who also saw sparse action at running back, averaged 9.5 yards on eight returns through San Francisco's first six games, but he also fumbled twice and was inactive for the Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks.