Panthers TE updates fans on terrifying diagnosis

Reading that the 30-year-old doesn't remember "up to four hours after the game" is worrisome, but Hurst quickly pledging that his situation is not career-threatening should at least bring some relief to fans. His hope that he could even make a return to action this season is more positive news.

According to headway.org, PTA 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."

Hurst confirmed Thursday that he suffered the head injury during Carolina's Week 10 contest against the Chicago Bears. He wasn't placed on injured reserve but has been inactive for the last three games.

The 2018 first-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens spent the first two years of his career with the organization, then two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and the 2022 campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hurst's best season came in 2020 with the Falcons, as he posted career highs across the board in targets (88), receptions (56), receiving yards (571) and receiving touchdowns (six).

The South Carolina product signed with the Panthers in March and has registered 18 catches for 184 receiving yards and one touchdown on 32 targets across nine games (eight starts).