The short version
- Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to blood clots in his lungs, requiring treatment with blood thinners.
- The condition was initially diagnosed as superficial clots in his calf after a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but further testing revealed more serious issues.
- Backup quarterback Tanner McKee has started in Hurts' place, leading the Eagles through their fourth consecutive loss.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the 2026 NFL season after further testing revealed blood clots in his lungs. The team announced on Monday that Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. This development follows an initial diagnosis of superficial clots in his left calf after Philadelphia's 19-17 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11. Specialists in London identified the initial issue, but subsequent examinations uncovered the more serious condition affecting his lungs.
Hurts' condition is currently considered stable, and the team stated that he has no significant functional limitations. His treatment will involve blood thinners, which prevent him from participating in contact activities. The Eagles expressed optimism about his prognosis, noting that they expect a full recovery with no long-term effects. Specialists anticipate that Hurts will be able to resume contact football activities once he is off the blood thinners.
In the meantime, Hurts will remain active around the team and continue to condition. This approach allows him to stay engaged with the organization while adhering to medical restrictions. The team's statement emphasized the importance of his health, stating that they anticipate no long-term effects from the condition. This cautious strategy reflects the seriousness of blood clot issues in athletes.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee has taken over as the starter for the Eagles. McKee led the team in their fourth consecutive loss, a 25-14 setback at home to the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles' record now stands at 2-4, highlighting the challenges faced by the team in Hurts' absence. McKee's performance will be crucial as the team navigates the remainder of the season without its primary quarterback.
Hurts has been a key figure for the Eagles since taking over as starter late in his rookie season in 2020. He has compiled a 59-28 regular-season record and was named MVP of Super Bowl LIX. His statistics include 18,824 passing yards with 118 touchdowns and 48 interceptions, along with 3,661 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns. This season, he completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in five starts.
The NFL confirmed that it had pregame communications with the Eagles regarding Hurts' blood clot issue. This transparency underscores the league's attention to player health and safety. The confirmation adds context to the timeline of events leading up to Hurts' placement on injured reserve. It also highlights the collaborative effort between teams and the league in managing such medical situations.
Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, echoed the team's optimism about his recovery. She stated that Hurts is expected to make a full recovery, reinforcing the positive outlook provided by medical professionals. This support from both the team and his representation helps mitigate concerns about long-term impacts on his career. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Hurts undergoes treatment.
The loss of Hurts presents a significant challenge for the Eagles' playoff hopes. As a three-time Pro Bowl selection, his absence leaves a void in both passing and rushing capabilities. McKee's ability to step up and lead the team effectively will be critical in determining the Eagles' fate for the remainder of the season. The team must adapt its offensive strategy to compensate for Hurts' unique skill set.
In summary, Jalen Hurts' season-ending injury due to blood clots is a major blow to the Philadelphia Eagles. While his prognosis is good and a full recovery is expected, the immediate impact on the team's performance is evident. As McKee takes the helm, the Eagles face a difficult stretch of games without their star quarterback. The situation serves as a reminder of the physical risks inherent in professional football.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Eagles QB Jalen Hurts to miss rest of season after blood clots travel to his lungs
- Yahoo Sports↗NFL confirms it had pregame communications with Eagles regarding Jalen Hurts's blood clot
- NFL.com↗Eagles place QB Jalen Hurts on injured reserve due to superficial blood clot in calf
- ABC7 Los Angeles↗Jalen Hurts out for season after blood clots discovered in Eagles QB's lungs, NFL Network and ESPN say
