San Francisco 49ers running back JaMycal Hasty faced that dilemma but chose to remain with his current team — the one he signed with as an undrafted free agent in April. The decision could not have been easy. There was always the threat that other teams would snatch up the talented rookie running back.
While another team can sign any practice squad player from around the NFL to its active roster, the player still has a choice to remain with his current squad. The 49ers coaching staff had to convince Hasty that he was exactly where he needs to be.
"People have tried to come for him, too, this year," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. "The guy has been committed to stay here. We have expressed our plans for him, and the guy had to make a tough decision a few weeks ago, whether to stay here on practice squad for another week or go to another team, and he chose to stay here.
"He believed he'd eventually get his opportunity. We told him we didn't know when, but it ended up happening the next week. So, he was ready, and I'm glad he's here for it."
Hasty has impressed his veteran teammates, who are glad he choose to stay with the 49ers. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is among those who have liked what they've seen from the rookie running back. Hasty's role has increased with the absences of Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman. It will further increase with the loss of Jeff Wilson Jr.
"JaMycal Hasty, he has been impressive from the first day that he's been here," Juszczyk said Thursday on Good Morning Football. "Honestly, going back to the Zoom meetings back in like [May]. This is just a quiet but confident rookie who really doesn't say much unless spoken to, but a guy that never gets any questions wrong in the meeting room.
"And then as soon as we stepped on the field, you could just see the talent. I promise you -- every Thursday we do one-on-ones with our linebackers, and nobody is jumping to the front of the line to try to cover this guy. He probably has the quickest feet of the whole running back group, and it's been awesome to see him get a few opportunities these past couple of weeks."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Former 49ers LB Reuben Foster praises Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch
The San Francisco 49ers selected linebacker Reuben Foster in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a cornerstone of their defense. The talented linebacker showed flashes of elite potential early in his career, but off-the-field issues ultimately derailed... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk shares encouraging George Kittle injury recovery update
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered during last season's playoffs. After looking sharp during on-field workouts at Tight End University (TEU), optimism continues to grow that... -
Why Kyle Juszczyk expects 49ers rookies to make an early impact
Three San Francisco 49ers rookies have caught the attention of fullback Kyle Juszczyk this offseason, and that's encouraging news for a team that could rely heavily on its first-year players during the 2026 campaign. The 49ers dealt with a rash of injuries last season, proving... -
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert...