Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.
The 28-year-old Super Bowl LIX MVP’s diagnosis was disclosed Monday, October 19, in a joint statement from the Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, following several days of specialist evaluations.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that his recovery is expected to take approximately three months, according to NFL.com. The team has not set a return date.
The Eagles and Lynn expect Hurts to make a full recovery without lasting effects.
Blood Thinners Will Keep Hurts Out of Contact Football
— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) October 19, 2026
The Eagles’ statement identified Hurts’ conditions as deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Deep vein thrombosis involves a clot in a deep vein, while the second diagnosis means clots are affecting both lungs. “He is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations,” the statement said.
Doctors expect his treatment to involve anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners. While taking them, Hurts will be prohibited from participating in contact activities, including football.
He can continue conditioning during treatment. The team and Lynn anticipate that he will have an opportunity to resume contact football once he is off the medication.
Hurts Was Cleared in London After an Initial Ultrasound
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2026
Hurts first sought calf treatment after practice on October 8. He told medical staff that an opponent’s cleat had struck him during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Philadelphia’s earlier statement.
He had practiced fully that Wednesday and Thursday, then participated again Friday before traveling with the team. An ultrasound performed after the Eagles arrived in London on October 10 identified a superficial blood clot in his left calf.
The Eagles’ medical staff and London doctors reviewed the findings and determined he could safely play. They recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.
Hurts played without limitations in the October 11 game against Jacksonville, a 19-17 Eagles loss. He received treatment over the next two days and practiced again October 14.
That evening’s ultrasound detected movement in the small clot. Philadelphia announced the following day that he would miss the Carolina game while doctors determined his treatment. The Eagles placed him on injured reserve October 17 and filled the roster opening by promoting running back Jaydon Blue.
Tanner McKee Takes Over as Philadelphia Adds Quarterback Depth
Hurts had completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions across five starts this season. McKee’s previous starting experience consisted of two Week 18 appearances for Philadelphia.
In his first start of 2026, McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown without committing a turnover. The Eagles lost 25-14 to Carolina on October 18 at Lincoln Financial Field, dropping to 2-4 with their fourth consecutive defeat.
“My team needs me to be better,” McKee said afterward. In comments published by team reporter Dave Spadaro, he identified communication, positioning players and settling into the game more quickly as areas he needed to improve.
Philadelphia also struggled to run the ball without Saquon Barkley. Dameon Pierce accounted for all 35 of the team’s rushing yards. Head coach Nick Sirianni said the offensive problems required improvements from players and coaches throughout the unit.
The Eagles had already signed Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on October 16 to strengthen their quarterback depth. A sixth-round pick by New England in 2024, Milton was traded to Dallas the following offseason and joined its practice squad after being waived in August.