Chargers TE clears up concussion concerns

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst said his concussion issues from last season are in the rearview mirror and he's ready for the 2024 season.

The University of South Carolina product signed a three-year, $21.75M deal with the Carolina Panthers in March 2023 but suffered a serious head injury in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears. Hurst was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and missed the rest of the season after being placed on season-ending injured reserve in December.

"I had the concussion, and for a week after, it was a little touch-and-go, but I went to the Mayo Clinic down in Jacksonville, got a second opinion, got full clear bill of health," the 30-year-old said, according to a report by Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "The only reason I sat out as long as I did was just, from the front office, there was really no point. They were 2-15 or 2-13 at the time, so there was really no point in rushing back."

Hurst finished the 2023 season with 18 catches for 184 receiving yards and one touchdown on 32 targets across nine games. He signed a one-year, $1.12M contract with the Chargers in mid-March.

With Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders), Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears), and Mike Williams (New York Jets) all leaving Los Angeles this offseason, Hurst could play a critical role in quarterback Justin Herbert's offense in the fall. Hurst is projected to line up as the Chargers' No. 2 tight end behind fellow newcomer Will Dissly.