Los Angeles Chargers News & Rumors

Hayden Hurst returned to practice on Tuesday, and he is line to suit up for tonight’s game. The Chargers plan to activate the veteran tight end today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Hurst’s 21-day activation window opened when he logged his first practice since landing on injured reserve with a hip injury. With the Bolts playing on a short week, the 31-year-old has not had many opportunities to work his way back into the fold, but Rapoport notes Hurst has practiced in full each of the past two days. His return will give Los Angeles added tight end depth down the stretch.

Hurst became one of many former Ravens who signed with the team in free agency, reuniting with offensive coordinator Greg Roman along the way. The South Carolina product did not handle a notable pass-catching workload prior to the injury, recording only 65 scoreless yards on seven catches. Still, he will be able to serve as a blocker in addition to a secondary option at the TE spot behind Will Dissly as the Chargers look to find capable skill-position contributors outside of rookie wideout Ladd McConkey.

Hurst is attached to a one-year pact worth the veteran minimum, one which presented him with the opportunity to carve out a regular role in Los Angeles. That, in turn, would have set him up for a degree of stability after playing on four teams across his first six years in the NFL (including one-year Bengals and Panthers stints over the past two seasons). Given how the 2024 campaign has played out, though, Hurst’s value has not seen a spike and he is likely on track for another short-term, low-cost contract from the Chargers or another suitor in the spring.

Tonight’s contest between the Chargers and Broncos will involve two of the teams tied for the league lead in fewest points allowed (17.6 per game) and it will be key in shaping the AFC playoff picture. Considering Hurst handled a snap share of 38% prior to the injury, he should not be expected to play a major role in the game; his return will nevertheless be a welcomed development. Los Angeles will have two IR activations remaining once the Hurst move is officially made.

The Chargers designated Hayden Hurst to return from injured reserve on Monday, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, giving the veteran tight end 21 days to practice with the team before he must be activated to the 53-man roster.

Hurst was placed on injured reserve on November 25 with a hip injury, but returned to practice as soon as his minimum four-week IR period ended. The Chargers have a short week ahead of a Thursday night matchup with the Broncos, but Hurst could play if he practices fully this week.

Even if Hurst returns right away, he won’t see a major role in the offense. He only saw 10 targets in the Chargers’ first four games with just two since. Will Dissly has taken over as the team’s top tight end in the meantime, and Stone Smartt has emerged as a more effective secondary option with 104 yards on eight receptions in his last two games.

Hurst’s reunion with offensive coordinator Greg Roman has not gone as planned. The Chargers hoped to revitalize the career of the former first-rounder in Roman’s tight end-heavy scheme, but Hurst is heading towards career-low numbers in several receiving categories.

Barring a major turnaround over the next three games, Hurst will likely be looking for his sixth different NFL team since 2019. Dissly is signed through 2026 and Smartt will be easy to retain this offseason as a restricted free agent, making Hurst surplus to requirements in Los Angele. Even finding a new home might be difficult, as he will turn 32 before the 2025 season begins and lacks a proven track record as a pass-catcher.