Getty ImagesLast year, Jacob Hester was the Chargers’ special teams captain and a contributor on offense at fullback and running back. This year, Hester won’t be on the team.
Hester was among the players cut as the Chargers got down to the 53-man roster. Chargers coach Norv Turner described the decision to cut Hester as a tough one, saying that Hester is viewed inside the team as a member of the family, but it was a move the Chargers felt they needed to make.
Other veterans cut by the Chargers included Jacques Cesaire, Anthony Davis, Mario Henderson and Nick Novak.
“This day is always tough,” Turner said, in comments distributed by the team. “You watch these guys you start with in May and they’re chasing the dream. It’s extremely tough when you get in a situation with a Jacques Cesaire and a Jacob Hester and guys who have been with you over the last four or five years.”
The Chargers also waived Edwin Baker, Colin Baxter, Bront Bird, Charlie Bryant, Ricky Elmore, Daryl Gamble, Gregory Gatson, Logan Harrell, Arthur Hobbs, Robert Malone, DeAndre Presley, Damik Scafe, Stephen Schilling, Kory Sperry and Mike Willie. Safety Sean Cattouse was placed on injured reserve.
Channel Finder
Hester was a bit overpaid in his draft placement, but his attitude, intelligence and special teams scratched out a place for him. He just couldn’t make himself any faster. And he wasn’t fast enough, esp as RB. He will find a place somewhere as a pure FB and special teamer, maybe some goal line situations.
I have always likened aj smith to ted thompson….. but this is where they differ…. thompson knows a hard worker when he sees one. thats why the packers are WAY more successful! boom
2 words….Detroit Lions.
I see….the Chargers special team play has been so stellar they can afford to cut the captain. Good work AJ…. please pick up your consolation prize on the way out.