San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula has left open the possibility of promoting Jarryd Hayne to play in this weekend's clash with the Detroit Lions.
The 49ers' running back unit remains in dire shape, with their best player at the position Shaun Draughn sitting out another practice on Thursday with a sprained knee.
Tomsula said he will wait until Saturday (Sunday AEDT) to make a decision on the running backs he will take into Sunday's (Monday AEDT) game in Detroit, but was open to suiting up as many as four at the position.
"Jarryd is doing a really good job," Tomsula told reporters on Thursday.
"He is getting better, but we're going to see where everybody is and we'll let you know from there.
"I don't have to make a decision on any of that until Saturday."
Hayne has been on the 49ers' practice squad since November 2, but can be promoted to the 53-man team at any time.
The 49ers usually take three running backs into games.
The problem for Tomsula is he only has two fit at the position in the 53-man squad, Kendall Gaskins and DuJuan Harris.
Harris was only signed by the 49ers on Tuesday so won't be fully accustomed to the team's playbook.
Tomsula admitted he might go into the game with as few as two specialist running backs and use wide-receiver/punt returner Bruce Ellington and fullback Bruce Miller to help out.
"We've considered going in with two guys, with Bruce (Miller), being able to handle things," Tomsula said.
"But we've considered going in with three or four too.
"We're working through all that.
"... Yeah, he (Bruce Ellington) knows things."
The Lions are the 49ers' second last game of the year.
With a 10 loss, four win record, the 49ers have no chance of making the playoffs.
The Lions, nine losses, five wins, also won't make the post season.
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