Jarryd Hayne's prospects of playing against the Detroit Lions this weekend have risen after the San Francisco 49ers' offensive co-ordinator gave the Australian a vote of confidence.
Geep Chryst said on Wednesday Hayne "definitely fits in" at the 49ers and was ready to play in the NFL.
The 49ers could be forced to promote Hayne to their 53-man squad to take on the Lions on Sunday with the team's top running back Shaun Draughn missing another practice and team walk-through.
Draughn suffered a sprained knee last weekend and is rated "day-to-day".
The 49ers suit up three running backs each game and if Draughn is ruled out it leaves just Hayne, Kendall Gaskins and new recruit DuJuan Harris available.
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A question mark also hangs over Harris because he only joined the team on Tuesday so he would not be fully up to speed on the 49ers' playbook.
No," was Chryst's reply when asked if the 49ers' coaches believed Hayne was not ready to play in the NFL.
"I think we know who Jarryd is."
The 49ers' decision to sign Harris instead of plucking Hayne out of the practice squad for the Lions game was viewed by some San Francisco media members as an indication of the team's lack of faith in the Australian.
Chryst's answer contrasts with special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey who last week said the Sydney-raised rugby league star "needs to learn how to play football" with a stint on the practice squad.
Hayne has been on the practice squad since November 2.
The 49ers' other running backs Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush are injured while Mike Davis, after breaking his hand, won't be available to play until January 3, the final game of the season.
Chryst also gave some insight into why Hayne was cut from the 53-man team.
It appears it was Hayne's three dropped balls as a punt returner on the special teams unit, not his lack of knowledge as a running back, that led to his relegation to the practice squad.
Chryst said often the players who make it into the 46-man squads for games not only have to show their value in specialist positions like running back, but on special teams.
It has been special teams co-ordinator McGaughey who has been the most openly critical of Hayne.
"Jarryd definitely fits in," Chryst, continuing his upbeat assessment, said.
"We're excited about his future, but I think it comes down to maybe what the special teams roles are and who's going to get that uniform of 46, not just the 53."
