When the San Francisco 49ers released their first depth chart of the season, Jarryd Hayne was listed in three different positions. The former rugby star was not a lock to make the roster and now he headlines it. Hayne is listed as a running back, punt returner and kick-off returner for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings as the 49ers have every intention of utilizing his versatility. So what does that mean for players like Reggie Bush and Carlos Hyde?
Hayne has done nothing but exceed expectations since arriving in San Francisco and the 49ers are repaying his efforts. According to head coach Jim Tomsula, Hayne is beyond valuable to the 49ers thanks to his ability to play multiple positions and confirmed he would see a lot of playing time after only participating in his first elite football game a month ago. The question is whether or not he will hurt the value of Bush this season.
The 49ers signed Bush after a lackluster stint with the Detroit Lions. The 30-year-old has averaged just 4.3 yards per carry three out of the past four seasons and the time is now to prove he can still be the highlight-reel player on the field. The 49ers plan on using Bush in multiple ways, but on the depth chart he sits tied with Hayne on special teams. The biggest impact the running back might have is in the passing game as he and quarterback Colin Kaepernick have put in a lot of work together this preseason.
"I've had quite a bit of work with Reggie," Kaepernick said, via NBCBayArea.com, "so we had a pretty good feel for each other, as far as how he was going to run routes, his body language, things like that. But it's great to have him on the field. I think everyone kind of saw (in practices) the effects he can have on a defense and the things he opens up for us as an offense when's he's on the field."
Bush and Hayne will still play second to Hyde who is taking over the starting job from the departed Frank Gore. In his second season with the 49ers, Hyde is expected to be a home run fantasy pick as he will be the workhorse running back for the team. Mike Davis sits in the fourth slot for the running back position, but it will be all Hyde all the time in 2015 and analysts are expecting big things from the rusher.
"He looks the part as far as a bellcow running back," Bleacher Report NFL analyst Chris Simms said, via FOX Sports. "He has all the skills. The kid can catch the football, he can run routes out of the backfield. He's a well-rounded back and I fully expect him to be the guy."
