Questions abound as Jalen Hurts likely to miss rest of season due to blood clots, sources say

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that will likely sideline him for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. The team initially announced on October 17, 2026, that Hurts was dealing with a blood clot in his calf and was placed on injured reserve. However, further testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, which are more severe conditions that require extended rest.

Hurts first requested treatment for the injury on October 8 after practice following an incident where he took a cleat to his calf during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite initial assessments suggesting it was a superficial blood clot, follow-up ultrasounds showed movement in the clot and additional testing confirmed the more serious conditions.

The Eagles are now turning to backup quarterback Tanner McKee, who filled in for Hurts last season, to lead them through Hurts' absence. This development is a significant blow to the team's prospects, as Hurts was instrumental in their previous success, including leading them to victory in Super Bowl LIX.

Hurts is currently not allowed to participate in any contact activities, and it remains uncertain when he will be cleared to return to play. The team’s announcement has sparked concerns across the sports world about the potential long-term impact on Hurts' career.