LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Chargers' Key Playmaker Makes Unexpected Return From Injury Ahead of TNF

Hayden Hurst will play against the Broncos after missing the last month with injury.

By Joe Summers

Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chargers are preparing for a pivotal Thursday Night Football showdown with the Broncos and just received surprising news that they'll get a key offensive playmaker back for the contest.

TE Hayden Hurst, who has missed the last four games on Injured Reserve, is officially back in action and will take the field against Denver. While his 21-day practice window was activated this week, expectations were that he'd take longer to actually suit up.

Apparently practice went well and Hurst feels fine, so Justin Herbert will get his top tight end back just in time for an AFC West showdown.

Chargers TE Hayden Hurst Returning From Injury on TNF vs. Broncos

Hurst got healthy just in time. Will Dissly, who has started in Hurst's absence, was already ruled out. If Hurst couldn't go, the Chargers would've been forced to Stone Smartt. No offense to Smartt, but he's a third-string player for a reason.

So far this season, Hurst has just seven catches for 65 yards. This Los Angeles offense relies on the run and ball security, giving Herbert little opportunity to show off his wild arm. Things have worked out clearly, with the Chargers overwhelming likely to make the postseason in Jim Harbaugh's first year as the coach.

This is a roster that can make some noise in the playoffs but needs to stay healthy to accomplish that goal. There's still work left to do, though considering the Chargers end the season with the Patriots and Raiders, this is the hardest game left.

A win essentially gives Los Angeles the No. 6 seed with the potential to move up to No. 5. Should the Chargers lose, they'll be the No. 7 seed and face the Bills in the Wild Card Round in all likelihood.

Thats's a scenario everyone hopes to avoid, so hopefully Hurst can make an immediate impact in his return.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

feed

Home/Los Angeles Chargers