Hunter Henry injury update: Chargers lose tight end for season with kidney damage
By Matt Conner
The Los Angeles Chargers will be without Hunter Henry down the stretch due to a lacerated kidney suffered during the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Chargers already faced an uphill climb to make the playoffs with an AFC Wild Card spot, or maybe even an AFC West title, after they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night.
The loser of that game knew they would have to settle for second place in a tightly contested division with only two games left on the schedule. Unfortunately those odds to gain a football back in the postseason have become a little longer with the latest news of Hunter Henry’s injury.
The Chargers will have to make due on offense without tight end Hunter Henry due to a lacerated kidney, an injury he suffered late in the game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Henry was hit by Chiefs defensive lineman Bennie Logan in the fourth quarter, a hit which drew a unnecessary roughness penalty against K.C.
Bennie Logan's hit on Hunter Henry. Helmet in front, hits Henry up between shoulder and mid-arm. Does not fall on him after.
— Ryan - RogueAPC.com Performance Consulting (@RyanTracyNFL) December 18, 2017
Henry has a lacerated kidney, but other than sheer impact velocities, not sure this hit caused it. #Chiefs https://t.co/ACZSiArLkE
Henry is an important offensive piece for the Chargers, but now Antonio Gates will be called on to fill in more of an important role. Other options include Jeff Cumberland and former Chiefs tight end Sean McGrath.
Henry ends his season with 45 catches for 579 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns to end the year.