Jarryd Hayne found out during warmups that he’d get the first touch among the San Francisco 49ers running backs – an eventual carry that went for four yards on the game's second play from scrimmage.
The rookie running back had a hunch that his first NFL start would turn into his busiest day as a professional football player.
“I wouldn’t say I was expecting it, but I was definitely hoping for it,” Hayne said postgame. “I was hoping to get the ball in my hands and to be a big part of the game.”
In what was eventually a 32-17 loss to the Detroit Lions from Ford Field, Hayne received a career high 14 touches.