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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs, according to reports.
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced Monday that the quarterback has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The condition means a blood clot developed in his leg and traveled to his lungs.
Hurts will receive treatment with anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, which will prevent him from participating in contact football activities until he completes treatment. Although the diagnosis is serious, the Eagles said he is clinically stable and has a strong chance of making a full recovery.
“Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” the team and Lynn said in a joint statement. They also anticipate that Hurts will experience no long-term effects and can eventually return to contact football.
How Hurts’ Blood Clots Were Discovered
Hurts initially received a diagnosis of a superficial blood clot in his left calf while the Eagles were in London for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The injury followed a cleat to his calf during Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
According to reports, Hurts went to a hospital in London before the Jaguars game and remained there until the early hours of game day. Hospital staff reportedly warned him that sleeping could pose health risks associated with the clot, so he stayed awake before the matchup.
Despite the initial diagnosis, Hurts started against Jacksonville and attempted 40 passes in Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss. The Eagles later said their medical staff and London-based doctors reviewed his ultrasound results and determined that activity and mobility were important and that he could safely play.
After returning to Philadelphia, Hurts underwent a follow-up ultrasound that revealed movement in the clot. Further medical evaluations identified deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, prompting the Eagles to rule him out of their Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers.
Philadelphia placed Hurts on injured reserve after consulting with medical specialists. Reports indicate that the quarterback will likely miss at least three months while receiving treatment.
Tanner McKee Takes Over at Quarterback
With Hurts unavailable, Tanner McKee started against Carolina on Sunday. The young quarterback completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s 25-14 loss.
The defeat dropped the Eagles to 2-4 and extended their losing streak to four games. McKee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will likely lead the offense while Hurts recovers.
Hurts had recorded eight touchdown passes, three interceptions and 933 passing yards before his absence. He had also established himself as one of the NFL’s most durable quarterbacks, playing in all but two games per season since becoming Philadelphia’s starting quarterback in 2021.
Hurts’ Impact on the Eagles
The Eagles selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, even though Carson Wentz already held the starting quarterback role. Hurts eventually took over the position and became one of the franchise’s most accomplished players.
He has earned three Pro Bowl selections and led Philadelphia to three NFC East titles and two Super Bowl appearances. Hurts also guided the Eagles to a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning game MVP honors after throwing for 221 yards, rushing for 72 yards and recording three total touchdowns in the 40-22 win.
Hurts is in the middle of a five-year, $255 million contract extension that includes $179.3 million in guaranteed money and runs through the 2028 season.
The Eagles now face an extended period without their starting quarterback as he focuses on treatment and recovery. The team expects Hurts to remain involved around the organization and continue conditioning while he is unable to participate in contact activities.
