Gardner wades through a sea of NFL players after the game.

Former Humboldt State running back Ja’Quan Gardner didn’t play a down in his first NFL game.

The 49ers relied on four different running backs to get through the team’s final preseason game of the year tonight, but Gardner remained sidelined for all four quarters.

The HSU standout seemed concerned about learning the 49ers playbook after the team invited him to suit up two days before kickoff, telling the San Francisco Chronicle that he would learn as much as he could.

“I mean, take care of it tonight,” Gardner told the Chronicle on Tuesday. “Get back to the hotel and just retain as much as I can.”

Although he didn’t see any game time tonight, the 5-foot 7-inch back signed a three-year deal with the 49ers on Tuesday and could get an opportunity to play this season if the team finds itself short handed at running back.

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(UPDATE) Former Lumberjack Running Back Ja’Quan Gardner to Sign With 49ers for Final Preseason Game

HSU Star Running Back Ja’Quan Gardner Invited to Join San Francisco 49ers for Offseason Training