UPDATE, 1 p.m.:

The HSU Athletics Department has announced that Gardner officially signed a three-year deal with the 49ers today.

This likely means Gardner will spend some time on the 49er’s practice squad, waiting for his opportunity to shine if any of the team’s running backs go down during the season.

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After practicing with the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason, Humboldt State University’s former star running back Ja’Quan Gardner will get his shot to play at the NFL level on Thursday.

Ja’Quan Gardner | HSU.

NBC Sports reports that if Gardner passes an upcoming physical, he will be signed to the 49ers for the team’s final preseason game.

By signing Gardner, NBC Sports reports that the team will reach its preseason roster limit of 90 players. While this is still a major opportunity for the 5-foot 7-inch back, unless Gardner stuns coaches with his performance, he will likely be cut when the team is required to trim its roster down to 53 players players by Saturday in preparation for the regular season.

Gardner, who owns every rushing record in HSU history but went undrafted in April, was also touted as a potential NFL prospect last year, alongside former Lumberjack and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Alex Cappa.

This is the latest bittersweet news for HSU’s athletics department after President Lisa Rossbacher announced last month that the school’s football program will be cut after the 2018 season.

Tune in to watch Gardner run for the ‘9ers this Thursday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. at 7 p.m. against the Los Angeles Chargers.