Atlanta designated Hurst (ankle) for return from injured reserve Monday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
The transaction opens up a 21-day window for the Falcons to evaluate Hurst in practice, but Atlanta's decision to waive reserve tight end Parker Hesse on Monday is a strong hint that the Falcons are expecting Hurst to rejoin the 53-man roster in advance of their Week 14 game in Carolina. Before missing Atlanta's last three contests with the ankle injury, Hurst had suited up in each of the team's first nine games of the season, recording 20 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets.