Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers after medical staff discovered a superficial blood clot in his calf, the team announced on Thursday.
The injury traces back to Week Four, when Hurts sustained a direct blow to his calf during Philadelphia's defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. That impact prompted initial examination and ultimately led to the identification of the clot.
Despite the discovery, Hurts demonstrated his fitness by taking the field the following week in London. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in the Eagles' 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game decided by Cam Little's dramatic 57-yard field goal as time expired.
The Eagles' medical team conducted an ultrasound on Saturday following the team's arrival in London and subsequent walkthrough.
Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team's flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot.
Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play.
Hurts trained without limitation on Wednesday of this week before a follow-up ultrasound revealed what the team described as
movement in the small blood clot. The Eagles have kept the league office informed throughout the process and said Hurts received treatment on Monday and Tuesday following his return from London.
The medical team has recommended a further ultrasound within 72 hours of Sunday's game and another scan following the return flight to Philadelphia. The Eagles have not publicly disclosed the specific vein affected, the dimensions of the clot, or whether anticoagulant medication will be administered as part of treatment.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hurts is now
out indefinitely, with no timetable established for his potential return. The 28-year-old quarterback, who entered the 2026 season facing mounting criticism under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's West Coast-style system, will be sidelined while the Eagles determine the appropriate treatment course.
McKee to start in Hurts's absence
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is expected to start against the Panthers. McKee will take over an Eagles offence that has already navigated significant injury challenges this season.
Philadelphia are hopeful that running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) can return to action on Sunday, which would provide some offensive continuity despite the quarterback change.
What comes next
The Eagles have not announced a specific return date for Hurts. The next meaningful update is expected to clarify the clot's status and the treatment doctors recommend. The team will continue monitoring his condition closely and will provide further information as the medical situation develops.
