Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season after doctors diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs, a condition that will keep him out of all contact football activity while he receives treatment.
Key takeaways
- Hurts is clinically stable and is expected to make a full recovery without lasting effects.
- His treatment plan calls for anticoagulant medication, commonly known as blood thinners.
- Doctors expect his recovery to last about three months, making a 2026 return highly unlikely.
- The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve Saturday after ruling him out for the Week 6 game against Carolina.
- Backup Tanner McKee started in the Eagles’ double-digit loss to the Panthers.
Medical diagnosis ends Hurts’ season outlook
Hurts initially received a diagnosis of superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf while the Eagles were in London. Further examination and monitoring found a more serious issue: a deep vein clot along with bilateral pulmonary emboli.
In a joint statement, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, said the quarterback has no major functional restrictions at present but cannot take part in contact activities while on blood thinners. The team said he will continue conditioning and remain involved around the club during his recovery.
The statement said Hurts’ long-term outlook is positive and that he should be able to return to contact football once he is no longer taking the medication. The expected recovery timetable, however, puts any return during the current season in serious doubt.
Calf issue developed into wider concern
Hurts first reported calf discomfort on Oct. 8, days after he was cleated in Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4. He received treatment and was listed as a full participant in practice on Oct. 9 before the Eagles traveled to London for their game against Jacksonville.
Testing in London on Oct. 10 identified what was then described as a superficial clot. Medical personnel determined Hurts could play against the Jaguars. A follow-up examination the next Wednesday showed movement in the clot, prompting the Eagles to rule him out against Carolina on Oct. 15.
Head coach Nick Sirianni said he trusted the organization’s medical staff throughout the situation. Sirianni stressed that he is not a medical specialist and relies on the doctors and trainers to make health decisions, adding that the club’s personnel share a strong commitment to player welfare.
Philadelphia is 2-4 and sits second in the NFC East. McKee, 26, was unable to generate much offense for most of his first start before the Eagles fell to the Panthers by double digits. With Hurts now facing an extended absence, Philadelphia must determine how it will handle quarterback duties for the remainder of the season.
