The San Francisco 49ers' running back injury curse has struck again and it could elevate Jarryd Hayne back into the beleaguered NFL team's game day squad.
Shaun Draughn, a free agent running back the 49ers signed after Hayne was cut and sent to the practice squad, suffered a knee injury in the team's 24-14 home loss to an undermanned Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Draughn left the field in the first half and didn't return.
That leaves just two healthy running backs, Kendall Gaskins, who was in doubt for the Bengals match because of a concussion, and Travaris Cadet.
The 49ers have already lost running backs Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Mike Davis to injury.
Davis, after breaking his hand seven weeks ago, could be healthy for next week's second-last game of the season against the Detroit Lions.
Pressure has been mounting on the 49ers' coaching staff and management to re-instate Hayne in the 53-man squad.
The 49ers, with the worst offence in the NFL, have nothing to lose.
The 49ers have a four-win, 10-loss record and their playoff hopes ended weeks ago.
San Francisco area media have devoted columns to questioning coach Jim Tomsula and special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey for not looking to use Hayne's game-changing ability.
"The 49ers and Jarryd Hayne: It seems clear that they don't have a clue what to do with him - and never did," was the headline in a stinging column by San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami.
Disgruntled fans also targetted 49ers chief executive Jed York before the Bengals game, flying a plane over Levi's Stadium with a "Hold Jed Accountable" banner.
The Bengals, with an 11-win, three-loss record, are headed to the playoffs but went into the 49ers game without injured quarterback Andy Dalton.
The 49ers were never in the game, going into halftime down 21-0.
Share
