NEW YORK — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs.
The 28-year-old quarterback has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, according to a statement released Monday by the Philadelphia Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn.
Despite the potentially life-threatening condition, Hurts is clinically stable, and his medical team expects a full recovery.
As NBC10 Philadelphia reported Monday, the diagnosis means Hurts will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
How did Jalen Hurts’ health concerns begin?
The medical concerns followed an injury Hurts sustained during the Eagles’ October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
According to the Eagles’ original October 15 statement, Hurts reported to the team’s training room on October 8 after experiencing discomfort in his calf. He told medical personnel he had been cleated during the Rams game.
An ultrasound performed on October 10, after the team traveled to London, revealed a superficial blood clot in his left calf.
Following evaluations by team physicians and medical specialists in London, Hurts was cleared to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11.
He participated without reported limitations as Philadelphia fell to Jacksonville, 19–17.
However, a follow-up ultrasound performed after the game revealed movement in the clot, raising additional medical concerns.
The Eagles subsequently placed Hurts on injured reserve on October 17.
Further testing revealed that the medical situation was more serious than initially believed.
What doctors discovered
In Monday’s medical update, Hurts’ representatives confirmed that his diagnosis had changed from superficial vein thrombosis to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and obstructs blood flow in the lungs. Bilateral pulmonary emboli indicate that both lungs are affected.
The condition can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.
However, the official statement emphasized that Hurts is stable and does not currently have significant functional limitations.
His treatment is expected to involve anticoagulant medications, commonly called blood thinners, which help prevent additional clotting.
Because these medications increase bleeding risks, Hurts will not be permitted to participate in contact sports while undergoing treatment.
His representatives described his prognosis as very good, adding that they anticipate a full recovery without long-term effects.
What does this mean for the Philadelphia Eagles?
The news arrives during a difficult stretch for Philadelphia.
The Eagles fell to 2–4 following Sunday’s 25–14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, their fourth consecutive defeat.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee started in Hurts’ absence and is positioned to lead Philadelphia’s offense as the team attempts to salvage its season.
Before being sidelined, Hurts had accumulated 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions through five games, according to Reuters.
The loss of the team’s starting quarterback presents another significant challenge for a Philadelphia offense already navigating injuries and inconsistent performances.
Hurts, who led the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship in February 2025, has been one of the franchise’s most important players.
His absence leaves Philadelphia facing questions about its immediate competitive future.
Recovery takes priority
Although Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season, the outlook for his long-term health remains encouraging.
His representatives say he will remain involved with the Eagles organization and continue appropriate conditioning during treatment.
The quarterback is expected to have an opportunity to resume contact football activities once he is no longer taking anticoagulants and receives medical clearance.
For now, the priority is his recovery.
The Eagles face the prospect of finishing their season without their franchise quarterback, but the most encouraging development may have little to do with football: doctors expect Hurts to recover fully.
