Panthers TE Hayden Hurst Diagnosed With Post Traumatic Amnesia

"Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back," his father wrote on social media. "Prayers appreciated!"

Fans have shown Hurst and his family love since the announcement.

"Prayers out to Hayden Hurst," one fan commented.

"This is heartbreaking," a second fan wrote. "Prayers to Hayden, hope he recovers well."

"Sheesh. Hope he fully recovers. This is scary," a third fan said. 

In Week 10 against the Chicago Bears, Hurst sustained a concussion and has yet to take the field since. However, there is some hope for the tight end as he attended practice on Wednesday with a no-contact designation.

This year is Hurst's first season in Carolina. Before Week 10, the tight end had caught 18 passes on 32 targets for a total of 184 yards. He has only recorded one touchdown this season, which occurred in Week 1.

This past offseason, Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Panthers, so even if the tight end does not return to the field this year, there is still plenty of time for him to make a positive impact on the Panthers' offense.

That being said, there would be no reason for the Panthers (1-11) to rush his return given the state of their season and the nature of Hurst's injury. Hopefully, he can make a full recovery and, if he chooses to, return to the field. The news is a sobering reminder of what these athletes risk for the entertainment of others.

Hurst, a former first-round pick, has been open about his struggles with mental health. The Hayden Hurst Family Foundation aims to help adolescents and veterans find mental health support. You can donate to his foundation here.