Panthers TE out indefinitely following scary diagnosis

Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst will be out of action for the foreseeable future after receiving scary news following a head injury suffered earlier this season. 

Following weeks of uncertainty, Hurst was recently diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia, which by definition is "the time after a period of unconsciousness when the injured person is conscious and awake but is behaving or talking in a bizarre or uncharacteristic manner." 

The concerning news regarding Hurst's status was revealed on social media by his father, Jerry Hurst, who said the Panthers TE had been diagnosed with PTA by an independent neurologist. 

"Slow recovery, don't know when he'll be back. Prayers appreciated!" Hurst said via X, formerly Twitter. 

If Hurst's situation sounds frightening, it is, according to Dr. Chris Nowinksi, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which supports athletes and veterans affected by concussions through education and innovation to promote prevention and research. 

"You don't hear this often and it is concerning," Nowkinski tweeted. "Post-traumatic amnesia means Hurst was or is having trouble forming new memories and possibly remembering old ones." 

Hurst reportedly suffered a head injury in the Panthers' Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears. He wasn't placed on IR by the team but was inactive for the last three weeks while undergoing more tests. 

A former first-round pick (25th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, Hurst is in his sixth NFL season and fourth NFL team. After spending two seasons with the Ravens and Atlanta Falcons, Hurst joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 before signing with the Panthers in free agency ahead of the 2023 campaign. 

Before suffering a head injury, Hurst started eight of nine games for Carolina, recording 18 receptions for 184 yards (10.2 YPC) and a touchdown.