TE Hayden Hurst clears concussion protocol, excited to 'start fresh'

Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst cleared concussion protocol on Sunday and plans to resume his NFL career.

Hurst was placed on injured reserve while dealing with frightening symptoms as a result of a Nov. 9 concussion sustained in a Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears.

"It's starting fresh," Hurst said Monday of his viewpoint entering the offseason. "It's another prove-it year for everyone in this locker room. It's actually, for me and my mindset, it's a great thing. I get to go back to work. Tear it all down and start fresh this offseason."

In a Dec. 6 social media post, Hurst's father, Jerry, said an independent neurologist had diagnosed the player with post-traumatic amnesia and added, "Slow recovery, don't know when he'll be back. Prayers appreciated!"

The following day, the 30-year-old Hurst added his own social media post.

"I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "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."

In the first season of a three-year deal with the Panthers, Hurst recorded 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games.

Hurst spent the first two seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, who selected him No. 25 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, followed by two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and a single campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals.

—Field Level Media