LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Chargers: Three personal choices to replace injured Hunter Henry

By Hil Lopez

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field during the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field during the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Los Angeles Chargers took a big hit when losing Hunter Henry to a torn ACL. Here are my three personal choices to replace Henry at tight end.

On the first day of OTA’s for the Los Angeles Chargers, things possibly couldn’t have gotten worse for them. Rising tight end star Hunter Henry tore his ACL in his right knee. This was a devastating blow for them as Henry had started to take the mantle from Antonio Gates as the starter.

His stats last year in the 2017 season included 45 catches for 579 yards and four touchdowns.(according to ESPN). With Henry likely out for the year, the Chargers need to find a replacement for his production. In my view, there are three good replacements still out there that the LA Chargers can sign to help them out this season.

  • Antonio Gates

The most obvious replacement for Henry is former LA tight end Antonio Gates. The Chargers let Gates walk after his lowest output in 3 years (316 yards, and 3 touchdowns).

Gates, who is 37 years old is in the twilight of his career and has been with the Chargers his whole career. He has chemistry with Phillip Rivers, as they set the record for the tandem with the most passing touchdowns from quarterback to tight end.

  • Julius Thomas

A second replacement could be Julius Thomas. Thomas who most recently played with the Dolphins had ok numbers with the Dolphins (388 yards, 3 touchdowns).

Although he is nowhere near the player he was when he played with Denver and Peyton Manning, Thomas is still a suitable player. He blocks well, and does not need to contribute too much offensively as Rivers still has weapons Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, and Travis Benajmin.

  • Coby Fleener

Lastly, a dark horse replacement could be Coby Fleener. The former Colt and Saint tight end, Fleener was released early in his contract by the Saints last season. He is not a good blocking tight end. Although, he was pretty servicable in the 11 games he did play as he had 295 yards and 2 touchdowns in 11 games. Fleener would be good for the Chargers in a limited role if given the chance.

Next: Five free agents that fit the Chargers' roster

All three would be servicable replacements, but the best tight end for them would be to re-sign Antonio Gates. Gates would be a veteran presence, provide leadership to the team and would be cheap to retain for the Chargers.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers