A day after the Chargers saved their season by pulling off a come-from-behind win on the road against the Falcons, they announced some bad news.
Rookie tight end Hunter Henry, who has shined so far this season, entered the concussion protocol. Chargers coach Mike McCoy said that Henry reported symptoms after the game, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Michael Gehlken. It isn't clear when exactly Henry suffered the injury.
Though the Chargers saved their season by beating the Falcons, they're still 3-4 and lagging behind the leaders in the AFC West. So, they can't afford many more slip ups. Those will be tougher to avoid without Henry.
So far this season, Henry -- a second-round pick out of Arkansas -- has taken over Antonio Gates' role as the Chargers' top tight end. Through seven games, he's caught 20 of his 29 targets for 326 yards and three touchdowns, which ranks first on the team. Pro Football Focus grades Henry as the league's sixth-best tight end this season -- one spot behind Jimmy Graham. He also hasn't dropped a pass, according to PFF.
If Henry doesn't get cleared by Sunday, he'll miss the Chargers' divisional showdown against the Broncos. In their earlier meeting this year, Henry broke out with six catches, 83 yards, and a touchdown.
If he does miss any game action, expect Gates to take on a larger role. Gates, 36, has caught 17 passes for 119 yards and two scores. Also on the roster are Sean McGrath and Asante Cleveland. Those two players have combined for 28 career receptions with McGrath responsible for 27. Cleveland has caught one ball this year.
