Panthers’ Hayden Hurst Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Amnesia: ‘Don’t Know When He’ll Be Back’

Hurst, who is in his first season with the Carolina Panthers, called the injury "scary" but said it wasn't "career-ending"

Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst is speaking out about the serious head injury he suffered while playing in a game last month.

A day after his dad confirmed on X that Hurst has post traumatic amnesia in connection with the hit during the Panthers-Chicago Bears game on Nov. 9, the journeyman player offered more details about the injury that has sidelined him for nearly a month, and thanked his fans for their support.

“I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me,” Hurst, 30, wrote on X Thursday. “I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago & don't remember up to 4 hours after the game. Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process.”

He continued in a second post: “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 !!!!”

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Hurst returned to the game after suffering the injury, according to The Athletic, but the next day, the Panthers placed him on concussion protocol.

On Wednesday, Hurst was termed “limited” for his first practice, but it is not known when will return to play. He's been sidelined for the last three games, and is hoping to return for either the Panthers' Dec. 17 home game against the Atlanta Falcons, or their game a week later against the Green Bay Packers.

The Panthers' interim coach Chris Tabor said in a press conference Wednesday that Hurst is "progressing."

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According to Yale Medicine, post-traumatic amnesia "is a temporary state of confusion and memory loss that occurs following a traumatic brain injury. During this period, the individual may have difficulty forming new memories, recalling past events, or understanding their surroundings."

The NFL star is in his first season at Carolina, after having played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens.

The South Carolina alum was drafted No. 25 overall by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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This year, he has played in nine games and has 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown, per The Athletic.

On Wednesday, Hayden’s dad, Jerry Hurst, broke the news about the extent of his son's injury in a post on X.

“@haydenrhurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago November 9," Jerry wrote.

"Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated!"

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