Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers after a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a small superficial blood clot in his calf.
The Eagles announced Thursday that Hurts will not play while the team and its medical staff determine the appropriate course of treatment. Tanner McKee will start in his place.
What Happened to Jalen Hurts?
The Eagles said in an official statement that Hurts first reported calf discomfort on Oct. 8 after being cleated during Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Hurts practiced fully during the week and traveled with the team to London for the Week 5 game against Jacksonville. An ultrasound performed after the team’s flight revealed a superficial blood clot.
Philadelphia said its medical staff and doctors in London determined that Hurts could safely play, with activity and mobility considered important. Hurts then played without limitation against the Jaguars.
Why Is Hurts Out Against Carolina?
The situation changed after the team’s return to Philadelphia.
According to the Eagles, a follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night revealed movement in the small blood clot. That prompted the team to rule Hurts out for Sunday’s game while determining the next steps in treatment.
NFL.com confirmed that Hurts will miss Week 6 and that McKee is next in line on Philadelphia’s depth chart.
The Eagles have not announced a timetable beyond Sunday, so any projection about Hurts’ availability after Week 6 would be premature.
Tanner McKee Will Start for the Eagles
McKee will make the start against Carolina with Philadelphia trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Eagles highlighted McKee’s opportunity Thursday, noting that this will be his first start in a game other than a regular-season finale.
McKee has not appeared this season, but he has previous NFL starting experience and has thrown for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in his career.
For a 2-3 Eagles team trying to stabilize its season, the pressure now shifts immediately to the backup quarterback.
Philadelphia’s Offense Is Already Dealing With Injuries
Hurts’ absence comes at a difficult time for an offense that has already been working through multiple injuries.
Philadelphia’s latest injury report showed DeVonta Smith returning to practice on a limited basis Thursday, while Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, Jalyx Hunt and Michael Carter II did not practice.
Drew Kendall also returned on a limited basis after missing the Jaguars game.
That means McKee may not have the full version of Philadelphia’s offense available even if some of those players make progress before Sunday.
What This Means for the Eagles
The Eagles have lost three straight and now face a Carolina team coming off its bye week.
Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions through five games this season.
Reuters reported that Hurts practiced fully Wednesday before the follow-up imaging changed his status.
Philadelphia’s immediate priority is Hurts’ health. From a football standpoint, the Eagles now have to ask McKee to keep the offense functional in a game they badly need to win.
When Will Jalen Hurts Return?
There is no confirmed return date.
The Eagles have only ruled Hurts out for Week 6 and said they are still determining the appropriate course of treatment.
Until the team provides another medical update, the most accurate description is that Hurts is out against Carolina and his status beyond this week remains unresolved.
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