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

The 49ers special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey said 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.

It appears 49ers' kick returner and wide receiver Bruce Ellington will take over the punt return job against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.

But McGaughey said Hayne could be promoted from the practice squad.

"He's definitely an option," McGaughey said.

The 49ers, after losing six of their first eight matches 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 quarter-back Colin Kaepernick had been benched in favour of little-used back-up Blaine Gabbert.

AAP