Jarryd Hayne was demoted to the San Francisco 49ers’ 10-man practice squad after clearing the NFL’s waiver system following the team’s decision to axe him out of their playing roster. But despite the demotion as one of the 49ers’ practice players, Hayne’s setback in his rookie season could serve him well in the long run and could keep his NFL dream alive.

Cam Inman, 49ers beat reporter, wrote on Fox Sports that Hayne’s remarkable transition from rugby league to American football is not yet over despite his tough situation with San Francisco. Inman noted that Hayne’s ability to professionally accept his circumstances of not suiting up for the 49ers in game days anymore would suit him well as he tries to digest his rookie season as a learning experience.

“He’s been humble and professional since Day 1, and he was that way Saturday when the 49ers waived him,” Inman disclosed. “General manager Trent Baalke said Hayne can cope so well because he’s a 27-year old guy who’s spent a decade in the world of professional athletics.”

Hayne started his trip to the 49ers’ inactive list during the club’s 20-3 loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7 of the 2015-2016 NFL regular season. Prior to being benched, the Australian rookie committed a series of errors, fumbling three punts in his first six games in the league.

Moreover, Hayne could have had the chance to get back in the 49ers’ 46-man roster when Reggie Bush suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s 27-6 defeat against the St Louis Rams. However, San Francisco opted for veteran running backs after signing journeyman Shaun Draughn and working out Ben Tate and other seasoned RBs.

Hayne was also linked to a handful of NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and the Seattle Seahawks and had the opportunity to join another NFL team after he was waived by the 49ers, but other teams passed on the 27-year-old rookie, which led to his role in the team’s practice squad.

According to Inman though, Hayne still has a chance to recover his place on the active roster if another injury sidelines punt returner Bruce Ellington, who barely had a chance to play his role due to hamstring, ankle, and calf injuries.

Meanwhile, opportunities to play again for the National Rugby League has opened after Hayne’s recent setback in the NFL. Hayne’s Australian manager Wayne Beavis brushed off any speculation of an NRL return, insisting that the Aussie rookie punter was determined to overcome his latest challenge.

“That has always been the challenge and he has done it and he just wants to continue on,” Beavis told the Daily Telegraph. “Naturally (Hayne is) disappointed but he is okay.”

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