Jarryd Hayne is just a fumble away from reclaiming his spot in the San Francisco 49ers’ active roster.

Bruce Ellington, who replaced Hayne as the 49ers’ primary punt returner after the Australian rugby league star was demoted to the team’s practice squad, has posted two muffed punts in two straight games.

Thomas McGaughey, 49ers special teams coach, warned Ellington that another fumble would be the end of his days on the field, which could potentially be Hayne’s opportunity to wear the No. 38 jersey again. McGaughey also pointed out New England Patriots punter Chris Harper, who was quickly fired following a fumbled punt that cost his team’s first loss of the season.

“You look at the kid in New England last week, he ain’t got a job,” McGaughey said, reports Fox Sports. “If Bruce was standing right here next to me I’d say the same thing. It’s no different. You have to take care of the ball.”

The US media has also called out for Hayne to get back into the 49ers’ active roster following poor performances from Ellington. Matt Maiocco of Comcast Sportsnet was quick to address Ellington’s “huge mistake,” suggesting that it might be time to get Hayne back on San Francisco’s active roster.

Aside from Ellington, the only most used punter for the 49ers is Bradley Pinion. But with the team expected to play against the Chicago Bears in windy conditions, Ellington has all the pressure to avoid any fumbles to keep his active roster spot.

However, there is also a possibility that 49ers coach Jim Tomsula could overlook Hayne as what the former did earlier this season when running backs Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush were sidelined by injuries. Last month, the 49ers signed veteran RB Shaun Draughn and promoted Kendall Gaskins, instead of giving Hayne the chance to play the running back position.

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