After a strong start to the preseason, Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst now must overcome his first major hurdle as a rookie due to an injury.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com, Hurst is expected to miss three-to-four weeks after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot.
#Ravens rookie TE Hayden Hurst has a stress fracture in his foot, will undergo a procedure today to insert a screw in his foot, sources say. The first-rounder is likely out 3-4 weeks.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 24, 2018
Hurst, the No. 25 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, will undergo a procedure on Friday to insert a screw in his foot. After the surgery, the 25-year-old’s journey to recovery and getting back onto the field will begin.
It’s a fairly significant setback for Hurst, who was expected to contribute in a significant role this season as Baltimore’s featured tight end. His absence will also open the door for others in a crowded room of tight ends.
Most notably, the injury will open up snaps for tight end Mark Andrews, a third-round pick in this year’s draft. Andrews should now see more playing time in the preseason and it will provide him a chance to prove himself and become an immediate contributor this season.