Chargers' Henry practices for first time since ACL tear

Tight end Hunter Henry may be able to play in this season for the Los Angeles Chargers after all.

Henry participated in practice on Monday for the first time since sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee on May 22. The 24-year-old's appearance opens a three-week window for him to work with the Chargers before they make a decision about adding him to the 53-man roster.

"I'm not surprised," Henry said, via the team's website. "I had (being back) in my mind, and tried to push for that since the get-go. I worked as hard as I could, and there's a lot of work still to do to get back out there. ... It'll be different but good to get back in the flow of things. I'm geared up and ready to go, but it's a long journey, and it's cool to have an opportunity like this."

Henry, who was expected to be a focal point of the Chargers' offense in 2018, injured his right knee while running downfield on the first day of organized team activities.

The transition from eight-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro Antonio Gates to Henry started in 2016 when the club used a second-round pick on the Arkansas product.

Henry recorded 45 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games in 2017 before a lacerated kidney ended his season.

Gates has 25 receptions for 312 yards and two touchdowns this season for the Chargers (11-3).

The 38-year-old Gates is the Chargers' all-time leader in receptions (952), receiving yards (11,820) and touchdowns (116), with his touchdown total an NFL record for tight ends.