Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers after medical staff discovered a blood clot in his calf, the team announced on Thursday.
The injury originated during the Eagles' Week Four loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4, when Hurts sustained a blow to his calf area. That impact prompted the initial discovery of the clot, though the full extent of the problem only became apparent through subsequent medical evaluation.
Hurts had appeared fit enough to travel to London and compete in the following week's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He took the field for the entire match, throwing for 220 yards on 21 completions from 40 attempts with one touchdown in a 19-17 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Cam Little's 57-yard field goal stunned the Eagles as time expired.
The Eagles' medical team conducted an ultrasound on Saturday following the team's arrival in London and a walkthrough session.
The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot.
According to the team's statement,
Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play.At that stage, the medical assessment suggested the quarterback could continue his involvement with the team.
However, circumstances shifted when a follow-up ultrasound performed on Wednesday revealed what the Eagles described as
movement in the small blood clot. This development prompted a more cautious approach from the franchise.
According to ESPN's reporting, Hurts first requested calf treatment on October 8 after practising in full on both October 7 and 8. He then continued full practice participation on October 9 before being added to the injury report.
The Eagles confirmed that Hurts had practised during the first half of this week before the Wednesday ultrasound altered the team's plans.
Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hurts is now out indefinitely, with no specific timetable established for the 28-year-old's return. The Eagles stated they will determine the appropriate course of treatment moving forward.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will assume starting duties against Carolina. McKee is expected to lead the Eagles' offence until Hurts' medical situation is fully resolved.
The Eagles have navigated a challenging injury landscape throughout the 2026 season. Running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), the team's top pass-catcher, are both listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, though the Eagles harbour optimism about their potential availability.
What comes next
Philadelphia is scheduled to host Carolina on Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m. EDT at Lincoln Financial Field. The Panthers visit will mark the Eagles' first home game since the injury was discovered, giving the franchise an opportunity to reassess Hurts' condition and determine next steps in his recovery.
