Jerry Hurst, the father of Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst, posted an unfortunate update regarding his son’s concussion on Wednesday.
According to his father, Hurst has been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist. The 30-year-old pass catcher sustained the injury in the Panthers’ Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears and has not returned to the field in the three games since.
@haydenrhurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago November 9. Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated!
— Jerry Hurst (@jhurst10) December 6, 2023
Neuroscientist Chris Nowinski, a former University of Harvard football player and WWE wrestler, tweeted the following about the possible effects of post-traumatic amnesia:
You don't hear this often & it is concerning. Post-traumatic amnesia means Hurst was or is having trouble forming new memories & possibly remembering old ones. I hope he takes his time and recovers fully. https://t.co/KN1p9zQdZC
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 6, 2023
Hurst, who had not participated in a single practice since Week 10, made his return as a limited participant at Wednesday’s session. He was seen, per Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer, talking with assistant general manager Dan Morgan in a red non-contact jersey.
Here at #Panthers practice, where TE Hayden Hurst is in a no-contact red jersey. Still in concussion protocol. He hasn’t played since Nov. 9 (against the Bears). He’s greeted by assistant general manager Dan Morgan in the video below. pic.twitter.com/EN1YtMAw4A
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) December 6, 2023
The Panthers signed Hurst to a three-year, $21.75 million deal this past spring. He has recorded 18 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown through nine outings.