Former Ravens TE avoids career-ending brain injury, could return Sunday

Former Baltimore Ravens tight end and current Carolina Panthers player Hayden Hurst, who entered concussion protocol about a month ago, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia, according to his father Jerry Hurst as he revealed on his personal X account earlier this week.

A team spokesperson confirmed that Hayden Hurst remains in the concussion protocol entering Week 14.

While Hurst' football career is not in immediate jeopardy, the PTA diagnosis means that he might have memory issues going forward, which he's already experienced following the game in which he first sustained the concussion a few weeks ago.

The 30-year-old NFL veteran suffered the concussion on November 9 during a game against the Chicago Bears when safety Jaquan Brisker hit him. After leaving the field briefly following that action, Hurst returned to the game catching a pass for a 7-yard gain while failing to grab the other target he received following his concussion.

Updates on Hurst's condition have been scarce, although he's already returned to practicing with the team this week albeit on a limited basis on back-to-back days on Wednesday and Thursday. His availability for Sunday's game, however, is still up in the air.

The diagnosis of post-traumatic amnesia, revealed by Jerry Hurst on social media nearly a month after the initial injury, has made Hayden Hurst's situation a little bit more complex than the usual concussion, and also raised awareness about this type of injury and the physicality of the game.

Post-traumatic amnesia is a condition arising from traumatic brain injuries and can manifest in various forms, including memory loss, confusion, agitation, and uncharacteristic behavior. Recovery times for post-traumatic amnesia vary, and its impact on an individual's long-term well-being is unpredictable.

This season, Hayden Hurst has grabbed 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games. It's still unclear when he will be back on the field, although his life and his career are not in danger of suffering from the concussion and posterior PTA diagnosis.

Hurst was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 and he spent two seasons with the Flock before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons because Mark Andrews blossomed into a superstar player at his position. Throughout his career, Hurst has accumulated 1,902 yards on 195 receptions including scoring 15 touchdowns.

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