Hayne back in contention at 49ers

Jarryd Hayne could be back on the field this season as the San Francisco 49ers' starting punt returner.

Special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey said on Wednesday Hayne was "definitely an option".

The Australian's NFL future took a hit in the past week when he was cut by the 49ers, bypassed by the other 31 teams and then signed to San Francisco's practice squad.

49ers' kick returner and wide-receiver Bruce Ellington appears set to take over the punt return job against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

However, McGaughey said Hayne could be promoted from the practice squad.

"He's definitely an option," McGaughey told reporters.

The 49ers, after losing six of their first eight games and struck by injuries to running backs Reggie Bush, Mike Davis and Carlos Hyde, are in turmoil.

Bush has been ruled out for the season after knee surgery while Davis and Hyde could also be out for weeks.

Head coach Jim Tomsula confirmed quarterback Colin Kaepernick had been benched in favour of little-used back-up Blaine Gabbert.