The Philadelphia Eagles have been dealt a devastating blow, as quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced the diagnosis on today, revealing that the quarterback has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli. While the news is alarming, the team says Hurts is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Hurts will undergo treatment with blood-thinning medication, which prevents him from participating in contact activities, including football. Although the team did not initially provide a definitive timetable for his return, the treatment requirements make a comeback this season highly unlikely.
How Did Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot Diagnosis Develop?
The situation began after Hurts took a cleat to his left calf during Philadelphia’s October 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Hurts subsequently received treatment for the injury and traveled with the team to London for its matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. An ultrasound on October 10 revealed a superficial blood clot in his calf.
After consulting with medical professionals, Hurts was cleared to play against Jacksonville on October 11. He completed the game, throwing for 220 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s narrow 19-17 defeat.
However, follow-up testing in Philadelphia revealed movement in the clot. Additional medical evaluations eventually uncovered the more serious diagnosis involving blood clots in both lungs.
The Eagles ruled Hurts out for their Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers before placing him on injured reserve.
Eagles Expect Hurts to Make a Full Recovery
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, the latest medical update offers some encouraging news for Philadelphia and its fans.
According to the statement released by the Eagles and Lynn, Hurts is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations. Doctors expect him to recover fully without long-term effects.
Hurts will remain involved with the team and continue conditioning as his treatment progresses. However, he will not be cleared for contact football while taking blood thinners.
That restriction is a significant obstacle for an NFL quarterback, particularly one who routinely uses his mobility and ability to escape pressure as part of his game.
The priority now is ensuring Hurts recovers properly rather than rushing him back onto the field.
Nick Sirianni Addresses Hurts’ Condition
Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the situation Monday, emphasizing that the organization relies on its medical professionals when making decisions about player health.
“I’m not a medical expert,” Sirianni said. “I lean on our guys in all those situations. I’m a football coach. I lean on our medical experts in every situation. I have full trust and full faith in them.”
The handling of Hurts’ condition has raised questions, particularly because the initial blood clot was identified before he played against Jacksonville in London.
Sirianni maintained that he trusts the medical staff and stressed that the well-being of the team’s players remains a priority.
For now, Philadelphia will have to move forward without its franchise quarterback while Hurts focuses on his recovery.
Tanner McKee Takes Over as Eagles’ Starting QB
With Hurts sidelined, Tanner McKee has stepped into the starting role.
McKee started Sunday’s 25-14 loss to Carolina, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. The defeat extended Philadelphia’s losing streak to four games and dropped the Eagles to 2-4 on the season.
Sirianni expressed confidence in McKee, but replacing Hurts is an enormous challenge for a team that has relied on its quarterback’s passing ability, rushing production and leadership.
Hurts has been one of the NFL’s most productive dual-threat quarterbacks since becoming Philadelphia’s full-time starter. He has led the Eagles to multiple deep postseason runs, including a victory in Super Bowl LIX, where he earned MVP honors.
His absence leaves Philadelphia with little margin for error as it attempts to turn around a disappointing start to the season.
What’s Next for the Philadelphia Eagles?
The Eagles now face two major challenges: supporting Hurts through his recovery and finding a way to remain competitive without their starting quarterback.
At 2-4, Philadelphia has significant ground to make up, and the upcoming schedule becomes even more difficult with its offensive centerpiece unavailable.
McKee will have an opportunity to establish himself, but the Eagles will need more consistent offensive production if they hope to climb back into contention.
For Hurts, football takes a back seat. The encouraging prognosis provides reason for optimism, but his return will depend on his medical progress and when doctors determine it is safe for him to resume contact activities.
Philadelphia’s immediate future has changed dramatically. The team’s hopes of salvaging its season now rest with its backup quarterback, while one of the franchise’s most important players concentrates on getting healthy.
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