San Francisco 49ers rookie Jarryd Hayne is only in Week 6 of his young NFL career, but the Australian rugby league star has already made a name in returning punts despite limited action with the club. In the 49ers’ 30-27 loss against the New York Giants on Monday, Hayne came close to scoring his first touchdown when he entered the game as a running back, but special teams coach Thomas McGaughey is convinced that the Australian sensation would instead strive in NFL as punt returner.

“This year or next year he might be leading the league in punt returns,” McGaughey said when asked about Hayne’s maturation process, according to the 49ers’ official website. “He has that kind of ability to get those big averages because he’s a big, strong runner. And he does a good job making people miss in space. So he has the ability to be a very good punt returner.”

McGaughey also noted Hayne’s current average in returning punts. According to him, a good return average for a punt returner is anything over 12 yards, and Hayne so far has posted 10.3 yards.

Hayne made the most of his chances in the 49ers’ defeat against the Giants at MetLife stadium, getting close for his first career touchdown. The 27-year-old rookie was on his way for a touchdown before he was stopped by Giants defenders just four-yards from the end zone. He then followed it up with a 1-yard gain that set up a touchdown pass from star quarterback Colin Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin.

Meanwhile, Hayne took first snaps in the 49ers’ Wednesday practice, where star running back Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush were not present. According to Mercury News’ Cam Inman, Hyde’s reason is unknown, but he was not mentioned in coach Jim Tomsula’s injury report.

The 49ers will play the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, Oct. 19, at Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco will have a chance for a second win in the 2015-2016 NFL season when they face the Ravens, who also has one win and four losses.

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