Full Breakdown
Jalen Hurts Out for 2026 Season After Blood Clots Discovered in Lungs
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The Season-Ending Diagnosis
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. A joint statement from the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that medical testing confirmed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left calf and bilateral pulmonary emboli—blood clots in both lungs. The team added that his prognosis is “very good” and that a full recovery with no long-term effects is expected.
How the Condition Evolved
The clotting issue first surfaced during the Eagles’ overseas game in London. Specialists initially identified a superficial clot in Hurts’ left calf after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was cleared to play that night and completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. A follow-up ultrasound later showed the clot had moved, prompting the team to place him on injured reserve. Subsequent imaging over the weekend revealed the deeper DVT and the bilateral pulmonary emboli, leading to the season-ending announcement on October 19, 2026.
Season Statistics to Date
Before his injury, Hurts appeared in five games, posting 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He guided the Eagles to a 2-4 record, marking the franchise’s first four-game losing streak since 2020. The quarterback’s play had kept Philadelphia in contention for the NFC East title despite the slump.
Official Statements & Responses
The team reiterated that treatment will involve anticoagulation medication and that Hurts will remain active around the team, continuing conditioning work while off the field. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford, has taken over starting duties. The Eagles also added quarterback Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and retained rookie Cole Payton as additional depth.
Medical Perspective
Brian Sutterer, MD, highlighted the seriousness of the diagnosis:
> “Oo boy – if this has progressed to a deep vein clot instead of lower risk superficial he could be looking at the end of his season. Treatment for that would be blood thinners often for multiple months and the standard is no contact sports while on blood thinners.” — Brian Sutterer MD
His comment underscores that DVTs require prolonged anticoagulation, during which athletes are barred from contact sports to avoid severe bleeding complications.
Impact on the Eagles’ Campaign
Hurts’ absence removes the franchise quarterback from a season already marked by a four-game losing streak. The team’s offensive production has dipped, with McKee completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in the most recent loss to the Carolina Panthers. Philadelphia’s depth at quarterback now hinges on McKee, Milton and Payton as the Eagles attempt to stay competitive in the NFC East.
What Remains Unclear
The statement did not specify a timetable for Hurts’ return, and medical experts indicate that the duration of anticoagulation therapy can vary. While the prognosis is favorable, the exact date when Hurts will be cleared to resume contact football remains unknown.