Hayden Hurst Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers expected to make final call on veteran TE following scary diagnosis

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/15/23

The Carolina Panthers are expected to place tight end Hayden Hurst on season-ending injured reserve.

The sixth-year pro hasn't played since Week 10 against the Chicago Bears in early November when he suffered a head injury. Hurst was later diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia (PTA).

New: Panthers expected to place Hayden Hurst on IR, ending the season of a player who's dealt with amnesia issues stemming from his Nov. 9 concussion at Chicago.https://t.co/EOgGxsCOY7
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 15, 2023

The South Carolina product's father revealed last Wednesday what exactly his son was facing, and the younger Hurst addressed the matter last Thursday. He told fans that he didn't remember "up to four hours after" the contest against Chicago, but also said that the situation wasn't career-threatening.

Hurst added that he hoped he could make a return to the field this season, but Friday's news confirms that the team will be playing things safe with his health.

While it was scary, it is NOT career ending. I'm starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks!
God Bless & Keep Pounding !!!!
— Hayden Hurst (@haydenrhurst) December 7, 2023

The 2018 first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens played the first two years of his career with quarterback Lamar Jackson and company. Hurst then spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, including his best individual campaign in 2020 when he recorded career highs in targets (88), receptions (56), receiving yards (571) and receiving touchdowns (six).

Following a 2022 season in which he helped the Cincinnati Bengals reach the AFC Championship Game, the 30-year-old joined the new-look Carolina Panthers offense in March, led by rookie quarterback Bryce Young (drafted first overall in April). Hurst finished the 2023 campaign with 18 catches for 184 receiving yards and one touchdown on 32 targets across nine games.

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