Panthers' Hayden Hurst: Practicing without contact

Hurst (concussion) is practicing Wednesday in a red non-contact jersey, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Hurst is progressing through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol but will likely need to take part in at least one full-contact practice Thursday or Friday to have a chance to play Sunday against the Saints. He has missed the last three games due to the concussion, and Carolina has gotten minimal production in Hurst's absence from its other tight ends (Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas and Stephen Sullivan).