Former National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne would rather forget his first NFL touch in the San Francisco 49ers' 20-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Hayne, who only switched sports earlier this year, was a surprise inclusion in San Francisco coach Jim Tomsula’s starting line-up at the Levi’s Stadium for the season-opener.
But the 27-year-old Australian’s dream debut turned into a nightmare with his first touch in the second quarter. He fumbled what should have been a straightforward punt return near the 43-yard line to concede a turnover.
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Hayne was only a fleeting presence thereafter, upstaged by fellow running back Carlos Hyde, who rushed for two touchdowns to finish with 168 yards from 26 carries. Hayne finished with 13 yards from four carries.
Nevertheless, Hayne put a positive spin on his display.
“I just prepared the best I could and I’m definitely going to learn from this game,” Hayne said.
“It was my first professional game. It started a bit shaky, but it was good to get out there and get a couple of runs.”
He said his fumble came after he was distracted by the oncoming Minnesota rushers.
“As the ball was coming down, I just looked where their rushers were,” he said. “I was in emergency mode, trying to make a play, make a catch, and it didn’t happen.”
Veteran 49ers kicker Phil Dawson, the second-oldest player in the league at 40, contributed the rest of San Francisco’s points with his boot.
Minnesota’s lone score came on a Blair Walsh field goal.
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