Eagles Add Jalen Hurts to IR After Blood Clot Reaches Lungs

The Philadelphia Eagles placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after a blood clot that initially appeared as a superficial issue in his left calf progressed into a far more serious condition. Later testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots had traveled to both of his lungs. The reigning Super Bowl LIX MVP is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season while undergoing anticoagulation treatment. A joint statement from the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed that he is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations, but he cannot participate in contact activities, including football, while on blood thinners. Tanner McKee, the former Stanford standout drafted in the sixth round in 2023, has taken over as the starting quarterback.

Eagles Place Jalen Hurts on Injured Reserve After Blood Clot Discovery

The Eagles officially added Hurts to injured reserve on Saturday, October 17, requiring him to miss a minimum of four games. The move came after days of escalating medical developments that transformed what appeared to be a routine injury into a life-threatening situation.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the decision followed consultations with numerous doctors and specialists. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer described the situation as a “life-or-death” matter, adding that the Eagles would bring Hurts back only if the blood clot was “completely melted.” Multiple follow-up scans would be required to confirm the clot had fully dissolved before any return to the field could be considered.

The Eagles confirmed they had been in communication with the NFL about the matter throughout the process. A joint statement from the team and Nicole Lynn said doctors expect a full recovery with no long-term effects, and that Hurts would return to contact football once he completes blood thinner treatment.

Rapoport and Schefter reported a recovery period of approximately three months, which would put a return this season in doubt for the 2-4 Eagles.

How Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot Developed: From Calf Injury to Lung Clots

The timeline began during the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4, when Hurts was cleated during the game. He went 12-of-27 for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-20 defeat but did not immediately report the injury.

On October 8, four days later, Hurts asked the Eagles’ training staff to treat his calf. He believed he had been kicked or cleated during the Rams game and attributed the discomfort to that contact. He was listed as a full practice participant on October 9 and continued practicing after receiving treatment.

On October 10, after the team flew to London for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, an ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot in his left calf. The Eagles’ medical staff and consulting physicians determined that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play. He had no injury designation and played without limitation against the Jaguars, completing 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in a 19-17 loss.

The situation changed the following week dramatically. After practicing in full on Wednesday, October 15, Hurts underwent a follow-up ultrasound that evening. The scan showed movement in the small blood clot. The Eagles immediately ruled him out for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Subsequent testing then revealed the full scope of the condition: a deep vein thrombosis had developed, and bilateral pulmonary emboli were discovered, meaning clots had reached both lungs. Surgeon Drew Burdi suggested the Eagles’ transatlantic flight from London could have contributed to the clot’s progression, as long flights are a known risk factor for clot migration.

What Medical Experts Say About Hurts’ Diagnosis and Return Timeline

Multiple medical professionals weighed in on the severity of the diagnosis and the likelihood of a return this season.

Dr. Henry Han, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern, explained that superficial blood clots sit in veins just under the skin and are far less dangerous than deep vein thrombosis. Superficial clots typically cause redness, warmth, and tenderness, and first-line treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, compression, elevation, and staying active. Treatment for superficial clots lasts approximately 45 days.

However, when a clot progresses to a deep vein or migrates to the lungs, the situation becomes far more serious. Han said deep vein thrombosis treatment can run three to six months or longer, and taking blood thinners while playing a contact sport creates a high risk of bleeding. He called that safety concern a major factor in determining when any athlete can return.

Sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer posted on social media that the progression to a deep vein clot likely meant the end of Hurts’ season. “Treatment for that would be blood thinners often for multiple months,” he wrote, noting that the standard is to avoid contact sports entirely while on anticoagulation medication.

Dr. David Chao, a former San Diego Chargers team doctor, questioned early reports about the clot’s “movement,” asking whether it indicated a larger superficial clot or a deeper vein clot. The subsequent diagnosis of bilateral pulmonary emboli answered that question with the worst-case scenario.

The condition has ended or interrupted careers across professional sports. Chris Bosh, the NBA Hall of Famer, retired early from the Miami Heat due to recurring blood clots and pulmonary embolism. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama missed the final 30 games of the 2024-25 NBA season after a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. In the NFL, Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton was also dealing with blood clots in his lungs at the time of Hurts’ diagnosis.

Tanner McKee Takes Over as Eagles Starting Quarterback

Tanner McKee stepped into the starting role for Week 6 against the Panthers. Born on April 27, 2000, in Irvine, California, McKee attended Centennial High School in Corona, California, where he earned MVP honors at the 2018 Polynesian Bowl and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

McKee served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil, becoming fluent in Portuguese, before playing college football at Stanford from 2020 to 2022. He led a notable upset of No. 3 Oregon in 2021, throwing three touchdown passes. The Eagles selected him in the sixth round (188th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

McKee did not play during his rookie season. He made his NFL debut in Week 17 of the 2024 season against the Dallas Cowboys and earned his first win as a starter in Week 18 against the New York Giants. He was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship roster.

In his Week 6 start against the Panthers, McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown in a 25-14 loss. He struggled to move the offense in the first half before throwing a touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the second half.

Hurts told McKee about the situation directly. “Looks like you’re the guy this week,” Hurts said, according to McKee, who added that Hurts expressed confidence in him and promised to have his back. McKee described Hurts as a valuable resource over the past four years.

Behind McKee, the Eagles’ quarterback room includes Joe Milton III, who was signed off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, and rookie Cole Payton. The team released veteran Andy Dalton, though NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo suggested the Eagles could re-sign him.

The emotional weight of the diagnosis extended well beyond roster management. Most players learned of Hurts’ situation during Thursday’s walk-through practice.

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith said Hurts was “fine” but acknowledged the seriousness of the moment. “It’s bigger than football,” Smith said. “Something like this puts a lot of things into perspective.”

Receiver Dontayvion Wicks said it was difficult to learn that the team’s leader had to sit out and called the situation serious. Players expressed their support for Hurts while acknowledging that his health had to come first.

Head coach Nick Sirianni declined to discuss the medical details. “I’m not gonna get too much into that,” he said during a Friday press conference. “I know there’s a great deal of interest in Jalen’s health.” He described his relationship with Hurts as “special” and said the quarterback’s well-being was the top priority for everyone in the building.

Hurts himself did not speak publicly about the diagnosis, though the joint statement from the Eagles and his agent confirmed the medical details and expressed confidence in a full recovery.

What Hurts’ Absence Means for the Eagles’ 2026 Season and Contract Future

The Eagles fell to 2-4 after McKee’s loss to the Panthers, placing them in second in the NFC East after three consecutive defeats even before Hurts was sidelined. The team had already lost late leads against the Rams and Jaguars with Hurts under center.

Through five games, Hurts had posted 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 57.8% completion rate with an 84.7 passer rating. He averaged 21.4 rushing yards per game. Under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ offense had been among the league’s worst through five games.

Beyond the immediate season implications, the blood clot situation adds uncertainty to a contract year that was already under scrutiny. Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023 that runs through 2028. The deal includes $179.4 million in total guarantees, with $110 million guaranteed at signing. His 2026 cap hit is $31.97 million, and the dead cap figure sits at $117.2 million, making it virtually impossible for the Eagles to move on this year.

However, the guaranteed money drops significantly after 2026. His guarantees fall from $51.5 million this season to $22 million in 2027, then to zero in 2028. The Eagles did not restructure the deal to add future guaranteed money, and the contract includes a full no-trade clause.

The combination of declining on-field performance, an offense that has struggled under new coordination, and now a serious medical situation has led some analysts to describe this as a make-or-break year for Hurts’ future in Philadelphia.

Who Is Jalen Hurts? Career, Super Bowl MVP, and Contract

Jalen Alexander Hurts was born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas. He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide win the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was benched at halftime of that championship game against Georgia but remained a significant contributor throughout his time at Alabama.

Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his senior season, where he produced his best college numbers and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Hurts became the Eagles’ full-time starter in 2021 and led the team to Super Bowl LVII following the 2022 season, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed his $255 million extension in April 2023, becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.

In February 2025, Hurts achieved the defining moment of his career. He led the Eagles to a 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for 72 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. He became one of only three quarterbacks to beat Patrick Mahomes in the postseason, joining Joe Burrow and Tom Brady.

The Eagles also dealt with significant injuries beyond Hurts in early October. Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith both missed time with hamstring injuries, while running backs Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby were also sidelined.

“I was trying to rest.”

That’s how Jalen Hurts explained walking out long after his teammates in London.

Last week he called the trip “a very unique experience to say the least.”

Watch this walkout again. It hits different now. https://t.co/JDJ5pCKPjX

— Eagle Times (@_EagleTimes) October 19, 2026

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FAQs

What happened to Jalen Hurts?

Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve on October 17, 2026, after a blood clot initially discovered as a superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf progressed to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots traveled to both lungs. He is undergoing anticoagulation treatment and cannot participate in contact activities while on blood thinners.

How long will Jalen Hurts be out?

Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate a recovery period of approximately three months, which would likely sideline Hurts for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. The Eagles will only bring him back if the blood clot has “completely melted,” according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, and multiple follow-up scans would be required.

Who is the Eagles’ starting quarterback with Hurts out?

Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in 2023, took over as the starting quarterback. In his first start of 2026, he completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown in a 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Joe Milton III and rookie Cole Payton are also on the roster.

How did Jalen Hurts get a blood clot?

Hurts was cleated during the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. He reported calf discomfort four days later. An ultrasound in London on October 10 found a superficial clot, and doctors cleared him to play. A follow-up scan on October 15 showed the clot had moved, and subsequent testing revealed it had progressed to deep vein thrombosis with clots in both lungs.

Is a blood clot career-threatening for NFL players?

Blood clots have ended or interrupted several professional athletes’ careers. NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh retired early from the Miami Heat due to recurring blood clots and pulmonary embolism. Victor Wembanyama missed 30 games with a DVT. The primary concern is that athletes on blood thinners cannot safely participate in contact sports due to the risk of severe bleeding.

What is Jalen Hurts’ contract with the Eagles?

Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023, running through 2028. The deal includes $179.4 million in total guarantees, with $110 million guaranteed at signing. His 2026 cap hit is $31.97 million, and the dead cap figure of $117.2 million makes it virtually impossible for the Eagles to release him this year. Guaranteed money drops sharply in 2027 and 2028.

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