DETROIT –- The 49ers on Saturday promoted Australian running back Jarryd Hayne to the 53-man roster on Saturday, making him eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

The 49ers placed guard Alex Boone on injured reserve with a slight tear of the MCL in his right knee, officially ending his season. It was the second season in a row that Boone finished the season on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Boone, who was embroiled in a contract dispute with the 49ers during the past two offseasons, is scheduled for unrestrictred free agency in March. He is likely to test the open market.

Hayne officially returns to the active roster after being on the team’s practice squad for the second half of the season.

[MAIOCCO: Source: Hayne makes road trip with 49ers, likely to be promoted]

Running back Shaun Draughn, who started the past six games after season-ending injuries to Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush, was ruled out with a knee injury. Kendall Gaskins and DuJuan Harris are the only other running backs on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.

It is not known what role Hayne will have in Sunday’s game.

Hayne saw action in the 49ers’ first six games of the season on punt returns with a limited role as a reserve running back before getting deactivated for the team’s Oct. 22 game against Seattle. The 49ers waived Hayne the following week and when he went unclaimed, the 49ers signed him to the practice squad.

Hayne has 25 yards rushing on eight carries this season. He averaged 9.5 yards on eight punt returns. Bruce Ellington has been the 49ers’ primary return man. He has averaged 7.6 yards on 18 punt returns and 24.8 yards on 22 kickoff returns.