Jalen Hurts Sidelined for 2026 Season Following Blood Clot Diagnosis

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season following the discovery of blood clots in his lungs and leg. The diagnosis includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, a serious condition that requires a recovery period incompatible with professional football.

The medical team has placed Hurts on a treatment plan involving anticoagulants, or blood thinners, for approximately three months. Under standard medical protocols for contact sports, players are prohibited from participating in football activities while taking these medications due to the risk of internal bleeding. The timeline effectively ends Hurts’ season, leaving the Eagles to move forward with Tanner McKee as the starting quarterback.

The medical issue originated from a calf injury sustained during a Week 4 game.

Evolution of the Injury

The crisis originated from what appeared to be a routine football injury on October 4. During a Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Hurts was cleated in the calf. While such impacts often result in simple bruising, the trauma eventually led to vascular complications. By October 10, a “superficial blood clot” was discovered in the area of the initial injury.

Despite that discovery, Hurts traveled with the team to London and played against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11. Reports indicate the medical staff monitored the superficial clot closely during the trip, implementing a “no sleep” protocol where Hurts reportedly remained awake for 36 hours prior to kickoff. Doctors at the time considered sleep a potential risk factor for the clot’s progression, and movement was encouraged to maintain circulation. However, subsequent evaluations on October 19 revealed that the condition had progressed from a localized superficial issue to bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots had migrated to both lungs.

Roster Adjustments and Medical Response

The Eagles have begun restructuring their depth chart to compensate for the loss of their franchise cornerstone. Tanner McKee, who has been serving as the primary backup, takes over the starting role effective immediately. To bolster the quarterback room, the Eagles signed Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.

The decision to allow Hurts to play in London after the initial discovery of a clot has drawn scrutiny.

Tanner McKee will take over as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

The long-term outlook for Hurts remains focused on the three-month window of blood thinner treatment. While athletes in other sports have returned from similar conditions, the primary concern for the Eagles remains the resolution of the pulmonary emboli and ensuring no recurrence. According to a report from PBS NewsHour, the focus is now entirely on Hurts’ health rather than a return to the field this winter, as the three-month treatment cycle extends well into the postseason.

The Eagles must now navigate the heart of their schedule without Hurts, who had been the focal point of their offense. The team has not yet commented on whether the transatlantic flight to London contributed to the progression of the DVT, though long-haul flights are a documented risk factor for blood clot complications in patients with recent lower-extremity trauma.

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