Hurst (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
Hurst missed the Falcons' last three games while on injured reserve and should provide a boost behind starting tight end Kyle Pitts. Hurst recorded 20 receptions on 25 targets for 158 yards and a touchdown through the first nine games for Atlanta. He should be a reliable safety blanket for quarterback Matt Ryan this Sunday as the Falcons go up against a Carolina defense that has allowed the second-fewest passing yards-per-game (176.7) and recorded the fourth-most sacks (32) in the NFL this season.