Panthers’ TE Hayden Hurst diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia

CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst has been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist, his father, Jerry, posted on X just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

@haydenrhurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago November 9. Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated!
— Jerry Hurst (@jhurst10) December 6, 2023

“Slow recovery -- don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated,” the social media post read.

The diagnosis was made after Hurst took a hit during the team’s game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9. Hurst spoke about the diagnosis on Thursday.

#Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst providing an update on his condition:

"I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago and don't remember up to 4 hours after the game." https://t.co/JYvKyYeHA7
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) December 7, 2023

“I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago and don’t remember up to 4 hours after the game,” Hurst said.

How Hayden Hurst got Bryce Young’s first TD ball back

Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown said Wednesday’s social media post came hours after Hurst was back on the practice field earlier Wednesday for the first time in weeks.

#Panthers TE Hayden Hurst was back on the practice field earlier today for the first time in weeks -- in a red jersey.

When I asked Coach Tabor about his progress, he said Hurst was working his way through the (concussion) protocol, and was set to go through another evaluation. https://t.co/t3msVPsvo9
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) December 6, 2023

Interim head coach Chris Tabor said at that time that Hurst was working his way through a concussion protocol and was set for another evaluation.

Hurst said Thursday he is thankful for the Panthers’ support.

“Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process,” he said.

Hurst added that he plans to return to the field.

“While it was scary, it is NOT career ending,” he said Thursday. “I’m starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks!”

According to Headway: The Brain Injury Association, “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.”

The tight end has been an advocate for those with mental health challenges through The Hayden Hurst Family Foundation.

(WATCH BELOW: Panthers training camp moving to Charlotte from SC)