Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, a serious condition involving blood clots in both lungs.
The diagnosis has raised concerns about player safety, medical clearance procedures, and the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ injury. Although his season has come to an abrupt end, the Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, remain optimistic about his long-term recovery.
Hurts is currently receiving treatment with anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, to prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of additional clots forming.
Because blood-thinning medication increases the risk of serious bleeding, Hurts cannot participate in contact sports or football activities while undergoing treatment. This restriction is expected to last at least three months, depending on his medical progress and the guidance of his doctors.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Hurts’ long-term prognosis is reportedly very good. The Eagles and Lynn have indicated that he is expected to make a full recovery without lasting complications. He remains clinically stable and has continued light conditioning with the team, although his return to football will depend on receiving medical clearance.
With Hurts sidelined, backup quarterback Tanner McKee has been named the Eagles’ starting quarterback moving forward.
Hurts’ medical situation began following a game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 4, when he reportedly sustained a blow to his left calf from an opposing player’s cleat.
Six days later, while the Eagles were in London preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, an ultrasound detected a superficial blood clot in Hurts’ calf. According to reports, team and independent medical specialists evaluated him and cleared him to play, emphasizing the importance of activity and mobility.
On October 11, Hurts played the entire game against Jacksonville before boarding an approximately eight-hour flight back to Philadelphia.
Between October 14 and October 19, follow-up medical examinations revealed a more serious development. Further evaluations confirmed that blood clots had reached both lungs, resulting in bilateral pulmonary emboli, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Following the diagnosis, the Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2026 season.
The circumstances surrounding Hurts’ diagnosis have prompted a joint investigation by the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Investigators are expected to examine the medical decisions made throughout the process, including the circumstances under which Hurts was cleared to play after the initial clot was discovered.
Questions have also emerged about whether the physical demands of the game or prolonged immobility during the transatlantic flight may have contributed to the progression of his condition. However, the extent to which either factor played a role has not been established.
The situation has also generated criticism over how the Eagles communicated information about Hurts’ health and the seriousness of his condition.
The investigation could bring greater attention to existing player-safety protocols, medical evaluations, and the procedures used to determine whether athletes with potentially serious medical conditions can safely participate in games and travel with their teams.
Hurts’ absence represents a significant setback for the Eagles, who must now navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback.
Tanner McKee will take on the responsibility of leading the offense as the team adjusts to the loss of one of its most important players.
For Hurts, the priority will be completing treatment and making a full recovery rather than rushing back onto the field. Although the diagnosis has ended his season, the positive outlook offered by the team and his agent provides reason for optimism about his eventual return.
As the NFL and NFLPA investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the case could have broader implications for how teams handle blood clots, medical clearance, and player safety in the future.
