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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will be out of action for at least a month after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf, the team announced on Saturday, October 17.
Hurts, 28, was placed on injured reserve on Saturday afternoon and will miss at least the next four games, including the team’s showdown with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 18.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is set to step up in Hurts’ absence.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that the team’s decision to place Hurts on injured reserve came after consultations with multiple doctors.
Fox Sports’ reporter Jay Glazer added additional context during Fox NFL Sunday.
“As they meet with more doctors and get more information, that’s how they’re making this decision,” Glazer, 56, explained. “At first the blood clot, it was superficial. It wasn’t moving around. But once it changed and that blood clot started moving, you do not mess around with a moving blood clot. That could be a life or death situation.”
Glazer continued, “The only way for Jalen Hurts to come back — if he can come back this season — is that blood clot needs to be completely melted. They need to have several scans to make sure it’s completely gone. Because if it’s not and it floats up to the wrong areas, it could be very, very dangerous. It’s a real life thing for Jalen Hurts. This is not a football situation.”
The Eagles announced Hurts’ diagnosis with a statement released via social media on Thursday, October 15.
“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf,” the team said. “He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday.”
The Eagles lost to the Rams, 24-20, in Philadelphia on October 4.
“On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report,” the Eagles continued. “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.”
Philadelphia lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 19-17, at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 11.
“Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia,” the team said. “Jalen played without limitation in the game Sunday, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full on Wednesday, as reflected in the practice report. Throughout our time in London and this week, we have remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter.”
“Movement in the small blood clot” was discovered during a follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday, October 14.
“His health and safety are our highest priority,” the Eagles concluded.
The earliest Hurts is eligible to return to the lineup is November 22 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
