Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst expressed some optimism about his status on Thursday.
The 30-year-old pass catcher, who missed the last three games due to a concussion, posted the following to Twitter/X this morning:
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
This encouraging message comes off the heels of a rather concerning update from his father, Jerry—who shared that the tight end had been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist. Hurst sustained the injury in the Panthers’ Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears and has remained in concussion protocol.
As Hurst notes, he’s on the path to recovery and a possible return to the field. After not participating in any of the team’s practices since the injury, the sixth-year veteran was listed as limited for Wednesday’s session.
Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75 million pact with the Panthers this past offseason. He has notched 18 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown over nine games here in 2023.