Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst sustained a serious head injury last month, and the results are even more frightening.
Hurst’s father revealed this week that his son was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist after he suffered a concussion in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.
Hurst, 30, went on to miss the next three games for the Panthers and it’s unclear if he’ll play again this season.
Interim head coach Chris Tabor said Hurst is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol but didn’t comment on his timetable to return to the field.
The tight end detailed the symptoms of the injury and thanked the Panthers organization for their help.
He added that the diagnosis is not career-ending.
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
As Hurst alluded to in his social media post, post-traumatic amnesia affects a person’s ability to remember aspects of their life, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Certainly a scary situation, but one Hurst doesn’t think will affect his long-term playing career.
Hurst is in his first season with the Panthers after signing a three-year deal with Carolina.
He previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons and was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018.
Hurst has caught 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games this season.
He’s also been very vocal about his mental health.
Hurst revealed he attempted suicide when he was drunk in 2016, but has since been sober since.
While Hurst added that he’d like to play before the end of the season, the Panthers may not want to risk further injury with their season effectively over.
Carolina was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs this past week.
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