Analysis

Hurst joined the Chargers on a one-year contract last March, with expectations of bouncing back after a down year in Carolina. Instead, the 31-year-old set career-low marks across the board, including not recording a touchdown for the first time in his seven-year career. A hip injury, which led to a stint on IR, derailed any momentum he may have been building early in the season with his new squad. Ultimately, he finished the campaign as a healthy scratch in their wild-card matchup against the Texans.

Analysis

The veteran was the team's preferred pass-catching tight end earlier this season, but Hurst has been used sparingly since returning from a hip injury in Week 16, tallying just 14 total offensive snaps over the final three games of the regular season.

Analysis

The veteran tight end returned from a one-game absence due to illness, but he played just six offensive snaps versus Las Vegas while working behind a healthy Will Dissly. Hurst is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so the playoffs, beginning with Saturday's wild-card round matchup against the Texans, will be his final chance to impress other teams. Across nine regular-season appearances in 2024, Hurst has secured just eight of 13 targets for 73 yards, and he hasn't played more than eight offensive snaps in a game since Week 4.

Analysis

Hurst was held out of this past Saturday's win over the Patriots due to an illness. However, his exclusion from Los Angeles' first injury report of this week suggests the veteran tight end has since moved past ailment. Hurst thus is on track to play in Sunday's game against Las Vegas, and he'll likely work as the team's No. 2 or 3 tight end.

Analysis

While Hurst is unavailable Saturday, the Chargers will welcome Will Dissly (shoulder) back to their lineup, joining Stone Smartt and Tucker Fisk in the team's Week 17 tight end corps. Hurst will thus target a potential return to action next weekend against the Raiders.

Analysis

He's one of two Chargers tight ends taking a questionable tag into the weekend, as Will Dissly (shoulder) is also carrying a designation coming off a two-game absence. Hurst had missed five straight games with a hip injury before coming off injured reserve last week and playing eight snaps in this past Thursday's win over the Broncos. With the illness resulting in him logging just one limited practice this week, Hurst may not be in store for a dramatic increase in playing time Saturday if he's cleared to suit up.

Analysis

Hurst was held out of Tuesday's session due to an illness, but his ability to increase his activity Wednesday indicates progress. Thursday's practice report will provide clarity on Hurst's status heading into Saturday's game against the Patriots. Hurst missed five games due to a hip injury but returned to action in the Week 16 win over the Broncos, finishing with one catch for eight yards while playing eight snaps on offense. He could see a larger role in Week 17 if he can overcome his illness and if Will Dissly (shoulder) is forced to miss a third straight game.

Analysis

Hurst missed five straight games with a hip injury before coming off injured reserve and suiting up in last Thursday's 34-27 win over the Broncos. Though top tight end Will Dissly (hip) wasn't available for Week 16, Hurst handled a light role in his return to action, playing just eight snaps and recording an eight-yard reception. Hurst could have a chance to see his role expand Saturday versus the Patriots if he's able to shake off the illness, though the Chargers might also get Dissly back for that game.

Analysis

Hurst suited up for the first time since Week 10 after missing five games due to a hip injury. He logged eight offensive snaps for Los Angeles, much fewer than fellow tight ends Stone Smartt (39 offensive snaps) and Tucker Fisk (28). Hurst's snap share could become more aligned to that of Smartt and Fisk as the former further distances himself from the hip issue, though Will Dissly figures to regain his role as the starter at the position once he's ready to return from a shoulder injury.