Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst, coming off a rookie campaign that was marred by injury, has added extra weight and bulked up some this offseason. He hopes it will help to curb any further ailments moving forward.
After being slowed by a Jones fracture in his foot during training camp, Hurst admitted he never felt like himself after missing the first our games of the season. He's ready to get back to work, now fully healthy.
“Kind of felt it all last year, was never really at 100 percent,” Hurst said during an interview with 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore. “Obviously, you kind of have the aches and pains of a screw being in my foot. But I’m good to go now, all healthy, don’t feel it and feel 100 percent.”
A first-round pick, Hurst had just 13 catches for 163 yards last year while feeling like he was “pushed around a little bit.” Now weighing in around 260 pounds, he should be more stout on the field.
“I just feel strong. When I’m in and out of cuts and guys are on me at the top of my routes, I’m able to get separation better,” he said. “Obviously I’m able to hold the point of attack better blocking and stuff, so that’s going to be fun. I’m just excited. It’s going to be a really good year.”
With the Ravens offense refocusing itself around the skill set of Lamar Jackson this season, Hurst could be in line for a big role, in a passing game that will likely focus heavily on play-action throws. And having a talented tight end is good for any young quarterback.