Carolina Panthers add Hayden Hurst to long list on IR, rule out top name for Sunday matchup

The Carolina Panthers Friday injury report had tight end Hayden Hurst, who suffered from the issues related to a concussion suffered in Week 10, now being placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the the 2023 season. In other moves, the team also placed offensive lineman Justin McCray, who was sidelined with a calf strain during the team's matchup with the Saints just one week ago, on IR as well.

With regard to this week's matchup with the Atlanta falcons, tight end Ian Thomas has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. And among the six players that did not participate in Friday's practice, safety Xavier Woods and linebacker Amare Barno have been listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

Brian Burns, Sam Franklin Jr. and Yetur Gross-Matos were all limited participants on Friday and listed as questionable. Burns, however, is trending toward playing according to interim head coach Chris Tabor.

The Falcons will be without right tackle Kaleb McGary who has also been ruled out for this Sunday's matchup.

The weather possibly becoming a factor for the passing game on Sunday raises concerns for the Panthers offense that has already struggled to throw the ball. But it's something interim head coach Chris Tabor believes his squad is ready for. "As you build your plan appropriate for the team that you're playing, you also begin to put into things how we might have to adjust and yet still stay with the same concepts you want to stay with," Tabor said.

And despite no longer being in contention for a playoff spot, Tabor is still sending a message wins still matter. "This is the time of the year where you are being evaluated. Not only by your own front office, by 31 other front offices depending on what your contract status is," Tabor said.

"Anytime you're keeping score, you want to win."

The Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Dec. 17 at 1:00 p.m. EST at Bank of America Stadium.