Jarryd Hayne remains positive about his NFL prospects despite San Francisco 49ers' coaches publicly pointing to his lack of experience.
The former Australian rugby league star says his NFL knowledge has vastly increased since being cut by the 49ers and signed six weeks ago to the team's practice squad.
"I feel 10 times more comfortable than six weeks ago when I was actually playing," Hayne said, according to the San Jose Mercury-News.
While Hayne can't wait to fly to Australia when the 49ers' season ends in three weeks and spend time on the beach and with friends and family, it will only be a temporary visit.
He confirmed he would not quit the NFL to accept a lucrative offer to return to the NRL.
Hopes of Hayne being promoted to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday (Monday AEDT) lessened on Friday with running back Kendall Gaskins on track to overcome a concussion.
Gaskins was listed as "probable" for the game.
Gaskins, who replaced Hayne on October 31, suffered the head injury in last weekend's loss to the Cleveland Browns and sat out training sessions this week as he underwent the NFL's concussion protocol.
If Gaskins was ruled unfit, Hayne would be the 49ers' only healthy option to join Shaun Draughn and Travaris Cadet in the team's three-pronged running back unit to play the Bengals.
The 49ers have the NFL's worst-ranked offence and, with a four win-nine loss season, have no hopes of making the playoffs.
San Francisco media members and fans have been left scratching their heads at the 49ers' reluctance to play Hayne in their final three games of the season to give him the experience the coaches say he needs.
On Wednesday, special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, who guided Hayne's role as a punt returner, said Hayne "just didn't work out".
"He just needs to learn how to play football," McGaughey said.
"To learn how to run, cover kicks and protect punts."
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