Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is now expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after further testing reportedly revealed multiple blood clots in his lungs.
The New York Post reported Monday that additional imaging found deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, a significant escalation from the superficial blood clot in Hurts’ left calf that initially led Philadelphia to place him on injured reserve.
Hurts is expected to be sidelined for multiple months while undergoing treatment, making a return this season unlikely.
Jalen Hurts Expected to Miss the Rest of the Season
The newest development changes the outlook dramatically.
When the Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve Saturday, the move guaranteed he would miss at least four games. At that point, Philadelphia planned to reassess his condition later in the season.
NFL.com reported Saturday that Hurts would be sidelined for at least a month after consultations with multiple doctors and specialists.
Now, with blood clots reportedly found in his lungs, the expected absence has expanded from weeks to months.
What the New Diagnosis Means
Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf after he was cleated during Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Eagles’ original statement said an ultrasound performed in London revealed the clot before the Week 5 game against Jacksonville. Hurts was cleared to play after doctors determined activity and mobility were important.
He played against the Jaguars without limitation.
A follow-up ultrasound after the team returned to Philadelphia later showed movement in the clot, leading the Eagles to shut him down and eventually place him on injured reserve.
Further testing over the weekend reportedly revealed multiple clots in Hurts’ lungs.
Hurts Expected to Begin Blood-Thinner Treatment
Hurts is expected to receive blood-thinning medication as part of his treatment.
Players cannot safely participate in contact football while taking anticoagulants because of the increased bleeding risk associated with collisions.
The encouraging part of the latest reporting is that Hurts is clinically stable and is expected to make a full recovery without long-term effects.
At this point, the focus is no longer on when he can return to the field.
It is on getting healthy.
Tanner McKee Becomes the Eagles’ Starting Quarterback
With Hurts expected to miss the remainder of the season, Tanner McKee is now positioned to handle Philadelphia’s starting quarterback duties moving forward.
McKee started Sunday’s 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, completing 24 of 45 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown.
The Eagles also signed Joe Milton III off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad last week to add depth behind McKee.
Philadelphia is now 2-4 after losing four straight games.
The Eagles’ Season Changes Completely
Hurts’ expected season-ending absence is the latest blow for a Philadelphia team already dealing with a long list of injuries.
Saquon Barkley has missed time with a hamstring injury. Will Shipley is on injured reserve. The offensive line has dealt with multiple absences. The defense has also lost key players at different points.
But no injury changes the outlook as much as losing the starting quarterback for the remainder of the year.
The Eagles entered the season with championship expectations.
Now they are 2-4, riding a four-game losing streak and preparing to move forward without Hurts.
What Comes Next for Jalen Hurts?
Philadelphia has not yet released a new detailed medical statement confirming every element of Monday’s reporting, so more information is expected from the team.
For now, the most important part of the story is Hurts’ health.
The expectation is that he will miss the rest of the 2026 season while undergoing treatment and monitoring, with a full recovery expected.
Football can wait.
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