Aug 2, 2018; Canton, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst (81) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Bears 17-16. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst said he has recovered from the foot fracture that slowed him last year, has gained weight and is ready for the start of his second season.
“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.”
Hurst, a South Carolina product, was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but his season never gained traction. He suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot in training camp that cost him the first four games of the season, and he wound up catching just 13 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.
He said he felt as if he were “pushed around a little bit on the field” and added 15 pounds of muscle to put him over 260 pounds.
“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,” said Hurst, who turns 26 in August. “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.”
The Ravens will open training camp July 24 at Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md.
