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, according to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The diagnosis of blood clots in lungs, identified as deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, will require Hurts to undergo treatment with blood thinners, leaving the three-time Pro Bowler out for the season.
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed the diagnosis in a joint statement released Monday, October 19. While the quarterback is described as clinically stable and without significant functional limitations, he will be unable to participate in football activities while taking anticoagulant medication. The statement also said Hurts’ prognosis is very good, with doctors expecting a full recovery and no long-term effects.
Eagles Confirm Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Emboli
https://t.co/aInIuUYiQJ
— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) October 19, 2026
According to the joint statement, Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf while in London ahead of Philadelphia’s Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Further testing and monitoring revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, indicating that blood clots had reached both lungs.
“Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” the statement said. The Eagles added that Hurts would remain active around the team and continue conditioning during treatment, but would not be permitted to participate in contact football until he was no longer taking blood thinners.
Sources told Rapoport that Hurts’ condition is considered a provoked clot, meaning it was associated with an identifiable trigger. The quarterback took a cleat to his calf during Philadelphia’s October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams and reported the injury to the team’s medical staff on October 8.
Jalen Hurts Played Against Jacksonville After Initial Diagnosis
Jalen Hurts was told by doctors not to sleep as a precaution after being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot, so he stayed awake for 36 hours before starting against the Jaguars in Week 5 🤯He played well and nearly led the Eagles to a win 😮(via @TomPelissero) https://t.co/6gEZA6njWt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 19, 2026
The diagnosis has raised questions about Hurts’ availability for the Jaguars game, which Philadelphia lost 19-17 in London. An ultrasound performed on October 10 revealed the initial blood clot, but the Eagles said their medical staff and London-based doctors reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play.
Rapoport reported that Hurts remained in a London hospital until approximately 4 a.m. on the morning of the game and did not sleep the night before because of health risks associated with the clot.
Hurts nevertheless started against Jacksonville, throwing for 220 yards and a touchdown as the Eagles fell to a last-second field goal. He had not missed more than two games in a season since becoming Philadelphia’s starting quarterback in 2021.
After the team returned to Philadelphia, a follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday revealed movement in the clot. The Eagles subsequently ruled Hurts out of their Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers while he underwent further medical evaluation.
Treatment With Blood Thinners Rules Out Football Activities
Quarterback Jalen Hurts will not play the remainder of this season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs, the Eagles announced today.Hurts will undergo several months of treatment involving blood thinners. His prognosis is "very good," according to a statement.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 19, 2026
The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve following consultations with multiple doctors and medical experts. His treatment will involve anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, which help prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of new clots forming.
Because these medications increase the risk of bleeding after an injury, players taking them cannot safely participate in a contact sport such as football. Hurts is therefore expected to remain sidelined throughout the recovery period, which sources said could require at least three months of treatment.
Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the quarterback’s condition Monday, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to player safety.
“The health of our players is always at the forefront of our mind,” Sirianni said, adding that he had full faith in the team’s medical experts.
Sirianni also acknowledged the personal and professional impact of Hurts’ absence, noting that the two have worked together for six years. He expressed confidence in backup quarterback Tanner McKee while making clear that Hurts’ health remains the priority.
Tanner McKee Takes Over as Eagles Face Difficult Stretch
Nick Sirianni expresses support for Jalen Hurts and confidence in Tanner McKee as the Eagles move forward without their starter. https://t.co/NGkEXF0rKs
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 19, 2026
McKee started in Hurts’ place against Carolina on Sunday, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia lost 25-14, extending its losing streak to four games and dropping to 2-4 ahead of its upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hurts’ absence compounds Philadelphia’s struggles during a season marked by injuries and offensive inconsistency. The team must now rely on its backup quarterback as it attempts to regain momentum and protect its playoff hopes.
The 28-year-old quarterback has been instrumental in Philadelphia’s recent success, leading the Eagles to three NFC East titles and two Super Bowl appearances. He was named Super Bowl LIX MVP in February 2025 after throwing for 293 yards and accounting for three touchdowns in a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Hurts expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, the Eagles face the challenge of continuing without their franchise quarterback while he focuses on recovery.
For now, the medical outlook remains encouraging. The team and his agent anticipate that Hurts will make a full recovery and eventually return to contact football once his treatment is complete and doctors clear him to resume playing.
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