Former Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst receives a frightening diagnosis of brain damage
There are some exits that are more difficult than others, and the Cincinnati Bengals’ fan base suffered greatly when Hayden Hurst was lost.
Prior to joining the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, Hurst was a fan favourite and a key component of the team’s offensive last season.
Regretfully, Hurst suffered a major brain injury on November 9th against the Chicago Bears and is currently dealing with it. Hurst’s father claims that he has a diagnosis of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA).
Hurst hasn’t played since that game in Chicago, where he finished with two receptions for 14 yards. It is unclear when he will return to the field. After nine games this season, he has 184 receiving yards and 18 receptions.
Hurst finished the previous Cincinnati season with 52 receptions and 414 receiving yards. The 30-year-old was previously selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round.
Hurst is in our prayers and thoughts as he attempts to get well from this dire circumstance.
The Cincinnati Bengals, who defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football, have unexpectedly returned to the postseason picture. They will now stay in the AFC South this week as Paycor Stadium welcomes the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts would be the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs and the Bengals would be on the outside looking in if the season ended right now. The Bengals would benefit greatly from a victory over the Colts in terms of tiebreakers, but will they be able to pull it off?
Jake Browning, who made his second NFL start and threw for over 300 yards, brought the offence to life last week. Browning was only twice taken to the ground by the Jaguars pass rush.
The Colts
Jaleel: Few predicted Indianapolis would be in the running for the playoffs going into the season. But the team has performed better than anticipated, and with five games remaining in the regular season, a postseason appearance appears likely. The Colts are a competitive team, but their lacklustre remaining schedule is the biggest obstacle to their chances of making the playoffs. The only teams with winning records left on Indianapolis’ remaining schedule are the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are, well, the Steelers of 2023, and the Colts have already defeated Houston this season.
Jaleel: Indianapolis has regularly relied on its run game throughout the majority of the season. Zack Moss, Jonathan Taylor, and a revitalised offensive line have given Indianapolis the upper hand. But in recent weeks, the attention has been drawn to Indianapolis’ youthful pass rush. With four straight wins, the Colts have amassed 21 sacks as a team. Indianapolis is second in the NFL in total sacks this season with 42.
