Panthers TE Hayden Hurst is recovering from sports hernia surgery, per HC Frank Reich. Hurst will sit out OTAs until further notice, but we’ll let you know when he’s back on the field. There’s a lead TE job waiting for him when he returns to 100%. The 30-year-old (in August) inked a 3-year deal with $13 million guaranteed in March.

Panthers TE Hayden Hurst parlayed 7 targets into 5 catches, 41 yards, and 1 TD in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. A banged-up Carolina WR corps certainly helped shuffle targets to the TE. But recall that he signed a deal with $13 million in guarantees this past offseason. We look for him to continue posting low-end starter lines in the future — especially if the TE position continues to underproduce. Hurst will remain on the streaming radar for a Monday night tilt with New Orleans.

The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Panthers HC Frank Reich is installing a "tight end-friendly offense that features the position prominently in the passing attack." That's particularly good news for TE Hayden Hurst, who signed a hefty three-year, $21.75 million deal with Carolina in free agency. “I love it," Hurst said of Reich's offense. "This is the opportunity that I’ve always asked for. I prepared this offseason like the ball’s gonna come my way a lot. So I’m in the best shape of my life.” TE26 in ADP, Hurst is one of the best values at the position in fantasy drafts.

Panthers TE Hayden Hurst is back on the field after undergoing sports hernia surgery earlier this offseason. Barring a setback, that procedure won't impact his 2023 campaign. Hurst isn't an exciting pick in fantasy drafts -- but he's a volume-based value at his TE24 ADP.

The Panthers have agreed to a three-year deal with TE Hayden Hurst. The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. Hurst, a former NFL first-round pick, will be joining his fourth team since entering the league in 2018. At best, he's been a streaming TE consideration throughout his career. It's tough to say he'll have as much fantasy appeal going from a high-powered Bengals offense in 2022 to the Panthers with a rookie QB likely to be under center, though. This transition only hurts the value of Hurst even with diminished target competition. Dynasty managers are probably further ahead looking elsewhere to the 2023 rookie class or beyond if TE is a position of need. He may prove to be reasonably effective for redraft purposes if the Panthers don't add a ton of talent around him, though.

UPDATE: Hurst's contract is reportedly a three-year deal worth $21.75 million (with $13 million guaranteed).

Bengals TE Hayden Hurst (calf) isn't listed on the final injury report for Sunday's AFC Championship game vs. the Chiefs. He put in a full practice on Friday after being limited on Thursday. Hurst should be ready for his usual role this weekend.