The short version
- Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs and leg.
- Medical staff confirmed the quarterback has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, requiring treatment with blood thinners that prohibit football activity.
- Backup Tanner McKee started in place of Hurts during a loss to Carolina, extending Philadelphia's losing streak to four games for the first time since 2020.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will not return for the remainder of the current season after medical evaluations revealed serious complications involving blood clots. Team officials and the player’s representative confirmed on Monday that Hurts has been placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his participation in games for this year. The decision follows a rapid escalation of health concerns that began with a minor injury reported earlier in the month.
The initial incident occurred during a contest against the Los Angeles Rams on October 4, when Hurts sustained a blow to his calf area from an opponent’s cleat. He reported the discomfort to medical personnel after practice on October 8 and returned to drills the following day before the team traveled to London for a matchup with Jacksonville. Specialists in London initially diagnosed him with superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf, a condition that typically involves clots forming in veins close to the surface of the skin.
The situation deteriorated significantly over the subsequent days. By Saturday, two days after the team publicly acknowledged the presence of a blood clot in his calf, Hurts was placed on injured reserve. He missed the start of what was expected to be at least four games during Philadelphia’s defeat by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Further details released Monday clarified that Hurts is suffering from deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, indicating that clots have traveled from his legs to his lungs.
Treatment protocols for these conditions require the use of blood thinners, which carry significant risks during contact sports. Consequently, Hurts is prohibited from engaging in any football-related activities while on medication. Despite the severity of the diagnosis, team representatives emphasized that he is clinically stable and does not exhibit significant functional limitations beyond those imposed by the treatment regimen. They expressed confidence that he will make a full recovery once the medical course is completed.
The absence of Hurts marks a stark departure from his recent track record. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2021, he has rarely missed time, never missing more than two games in a single season. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Eagles to five consecutive playoff appearances, three NFC East championships, and two Super Bowl victories, including a decisive win over the Kansas City Chiefs two years ago. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 59.
In Hurts’ stead, backup quarterback Tanner McKee took the field against Carolina. McKee completed 26 of 45 pass attempts for 215 yards and one touchdown in the 25-14 loss. The defeat extended Philadelphia’s losing streak to four games, a slump not seen since 2020. For Hurts, who is currently in the midst of a five-year contract extension worth $255 million with $179.3 million guaranteed through 2028, the season ends with 933 passing yards, eight touchdown passes, and three interceptions.
The Eagles’ decision to draft Hurts out of Oklahoma in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft was initially met with surprise by many fans. At the time, Carson Wentz appeared entrenched at the quarterback position, and the team had other pressing roster needs. However, Hurts quickly supplanted Wentz and established himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. His sudden departure leaves a significant void in an offense that has relied heavily on his dual-threat capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Eagles must navigate the remainder of the season without their primary offensive engine. The timeline for Hurts’ return remains uncertain, dependent entirely on his response to blood thinner therapy and subsequent medical clearance. While the team projects a full recovery, the immediate impact on their playoff aspirations is substantial. The organization now faces the challenge of stabilizing its performance while managing the long-term health of its franchise quarterback.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- PBS NewsHour↗AP source: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts expected to miss rest of season after blood clots found in lungs and leg
