Hayne reflects on dropped ball

Jarryd Hayne admits he attempted a risky play and should have been thinking about ball security when he fumbled a punt return on the weekend.

San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne of Australia

Australian NFL star Jarryd Hayne admits he attempted a risky play against the Baltimore Ravens. (AAP)

Jarryd Hayne only touched the ball once against the Baltimore Ravens and fumbled it, but he's not complaining.

He just has to think back to a year ago.

That is when the Parramatta Eels' backline ace announced a far-fetched goal of playing in the NFL, so each day he straps on his San Francisco 49ers helmet and pads to practice or play Hayne is living a dream.

"No, for me it's about going out there and learning and being grateful to get the opportunity to be out there and learn the game," Hayne, asked if he was frustrated by the lack of opportunities, told reporters on Tuesday.

Hayne was the 49ers' first back-up option for star running back Carlos Hyde against the Ravens on Sunday, but for the nine plays he was on the field quarterback Colin Kaepernick didn't hand or pass him the ball.

Hayne's only touch in the 49ers' 25-20 win against the Ravens on Sunday came on a punt return and it was a near-disaster when an opponent knocked it out of his hands.

Luckily a team-mate scooped it up.

It was Hayne's third fumble in six regular season games.

Ball possession is key in the NFL and 49ers coaches have been on Hayne to call a fair catch on punts to kill the play if he doesn't have open space to run.

Hayne was surrounded by Ravens, caught the punt and took off toward the middle of the field.

"I know it was a risky play," he said.

"I fended someone off and I just should have had more ball security.

"It's one of those plays where I'm trying to get extra yards where obviously protecting the ball is more the key thing."

The 49ers play the most crucial game of their season on Thursday when they host the Seattle Seahawks, their bitter NFC West division rivals who also have a two-win, four-loss record.

The loser will likely have their playoff hopes extinguished.


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2 min read

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Source: AAP



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Hayne reflects on dropped ball | SBS News