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The Carolina Panthers are opting with the safe choice for Hayden Hurst.
As first reported by Joe Person of The Athletic on Friday morning, the team is placing the sixth-year tight end on injured reserve. He has missed the last four games due to a concussion, which he sustained during the Panthers’ Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears.
On the afternoon of Dec. 6, Hurst’s father tweeted that his son had been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist. A day later, Hurst himself tweeted that although “pretty nasty” and “scary,” the concussion is not a career-ending injury.
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
Hurst returned to the practice field on a limited basis in the lead-up to Week 14’s contest against the New Orleans Saints. He has not, however, participated in practice this week.
The first season of Hurst’s three-year, $21.75 million deal will officially end after just nine games. He recorded 18 receptions, 184 receiving yards and one touchdown.