The San Francisco 49ers could take advantage of their woeful season as a period to improve Jarryd Hayne’s skill and experiment on his full potential, according to reports.

Hayne is undergoing another battle for a roster spot in the 49ers’ 53-man squad after being waived and demoted to the team’s practice players. The 49ers may not completely trust Hayne’s skills as a rookie following his demotion, but considering the team’s downward spiral path, it would be wise to use Hayne now during game days to improve his skills and be ready for the next season.

Niners Fan founder Ryan Sakamoto said the 2015-2016 NFL regular season is the perfect time for “Hayne Plane” to take full flight. Hayne became expendable after committing a series of fumbled punts in as many games early in the season. But Sakamoto pointed at the any mistakes from the Australian rugby league star would not hurt the 49ers’ already poor season.

“The 49ers playoff chances are all but gone, leaving me to believe that the time is now to give Hayne the opportunity to shine despite his fumblitis,” Sakamoto wrote. “There is little to lose in a bleak season, which is why the time is now to have him work through it.”

David Fucillo of SB Nation’s Niners Nation also expects Hayne to develop his game while on the 49ers’ practice squad. Fucillo noted that the 27-year-old rookie could take his recent setback as a way to develop his running back and punt returning techniques.

“While he is signed with the 49ers practice squad, the rules allow Hayne to sign with any other team’s 53-man roster the rest of the season,” Fucillo wrote. “My guess is he is not going anywhere, and will be back next spring and summer to compete for a roster spot.”

It is yet to determine whether Hayne could crack into the active roster when the 49ers’ meet the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 of the NFL season. But according to 49ers special teams coach Thomas McGaughey, Hayne is “definitely an option” in the event that primary punt returner Bruce Ellington gets injured.

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