Jalen Hurts blood clots: Biggest unanswered questions for Eagles about star QB’s health

by | Oct 20, 2026 | Sports

Jalen Hurts blood clots: Biggest unanswered questions for Eagles about star QB's health

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faces an extended absence from competition after receiving a diagnosis of blood clots in both lungs, ending his season shortly after the team’s Week 5 matchup. The situation unfolded over several weeks, beginning in Week 4 when Hurts sustained a calf injury against the Los Angeles Rams. Although he did not initially seek medical attention for the injury, an ultrasound performed following the team’s international travel to London for Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars revealed a superficial blood clot in his calf. Medical personnel cleared him to compete despite the finding, and Hurts played in the London game after spending the early morning hours at a hospital for evaluation.

Following the team’s return flight to Philadelphia and resumption of practice activities, a subsequent ultrasound showed that the blood clot had shifted position. This development led to Hurts being ruled out for Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Further diagnostic testing resulted in a revised diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis alongside blood clots detected in both lungs. Hurts subsequently began treatment with anticoagulant medication and was ruled unavailable for the remainder of the season.

During a Monday press conference, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed questions regarding the medical decisions that permitted Hurts to play and travel while diagnosed with blood clots. Sirianni consistently deferred to the team’s medical experts, stating that player health remained the organization’s primary concern and that he relied entirely on medical professionals for such determinations. The coach declined to specify what alternative approaches might have been considered and referenced previously issued statements by the organization rather than elaborating on the decision-making process.

It remained uncertain whether other team officials, including general manager Howie Roseman, owner Jeffrey Lurie, or members of the medical staff, would publicly address the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ diagnosis and the approval to fly with an identified blood clot. Medical literature indicates that air travel carries increased risks associated with clot formation, though the Eagles’ medical staff apparently determined that flying was appropriate following Hurts’ participation in the London game.

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