The Philadelphia Eagles were already dealing with a rough stretch, and now their season has taken a much more serious turn. Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers exposed the problems piling up around the offense; however, the biggest concern had nothing to do with the scoreboard. The team’s quarterback situation had become a medical issue, with no easy answer waiting behind the scenes.
The Eagles had initially hoped Jalen Hurts could return after receiving treatment for a blood clot in his leg. Further medical findings have changed that outlook dramatically, leaving the Eagles without their franchise quarterback for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Jalen Hurts Ruled Out For The Season After Blood Clots Reach His Lungs
On October 19, 2026, NBC Sports Philadelphia reporter John Clark reported that Hurts would miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. His agent, Nicole Lynn, provided the update, with the veteran now receiving treatment with blood thinners.
NEWS: Jalen Hurts will be out for the rest of the season after it was discovered He has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli and is on blood thinners
From @AgentNicoleLynnpic.twitter.com/4fIrj8A3zP— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 19, 2026
The diagnosis marks a significant change from the Eagles’ initial assessment. The team had previously reported a superficial blood clot in Hurts’ calf, discovered after he sought treatment following the Eagles’ game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The latest development is far more serious. Pulmonary emboli occur when blood clots block blood vessels in the lungs, and the condition can be life-threatening. The quarterback is reportedly clinically stable and undergoing treatment; however, football is no longer the immediate priority. His return to the field will depend on his recovery and when he can safely stop taking blood thinners.
Those medications also explain why playing is not an option right now. The footballer is under threat of being hit again and suffering from head injuries, whereas the blood thinner makes internal bleeding more dangerous than usual.
In addition to all the problems mentioned above, the situation with Hurts couldn’t be worse for the Eagles. They suffered a defeat to the Panthers, 25-14, making it their fourth loss and 2-4 overall. Moreover, the recent period has become even tougher for the Eagles’ attack, which is already missing some important players.
Due to Hurts’ injury, Tanner McKee made his debut against the Panthers and threw for 215 yards and one touchdown to DeVonta Smith. The Eagles also promoted rookie Cole Payton to the backup role and signed Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad as the team worked through its quarterback options.
It seems that McKee will end up playing a far more substantial role than the team initially envisaged. It’s important for the Eagles to also brace themselves for a grueling stretch of divisional games involving the Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and the New York Giants.
His health takes precedence, of course, but as the Eagles’ season slips away, the team faces two significant hurdles simultaneously: getting their quarterback healthy and salvaging their season.
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