Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot in his calf, the team announced Thursday.
Hurts was listed as a full participant in Friday's practice before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a calf injury. He had no injury designation for Sunday's game in London.
The Eagles released a statement detailing the process that led to the discovery of the blood clot.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2026
"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. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.
"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. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia."
The Eagles said Hurts "played without limitation" against the Jaguars before receiving treatment Monday and Tuesday then practicing in full Wednesday.
"On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. Jalen will be out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority," the Eagles said.
The Eagles have remained in communication with the NFL office throughout the process, the team said.
Asked about the injury Wednesday, Hurts indicated he got "nicked" against the Rams while hinting that the lead-up to the Jaguars game was not ordinary.
"It was a very unique experience, to say the least. I don't want to get into the details of kind of leading up to the game and whatnot, but got nicked up in the Rams game," he said.
Hurts did not take the field until right before the opening kickoff against Jacksonville and rode the stationary bike between series. He indicated both actions were related to the calf. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in the 19-17 loss to the Jaguars.
Treatment timeline
Dr. Andrea Lubitz, a vascular surgeon at Temple Health, said treatment for a superficial blood clot depends on its location.
"It's all location based. For this, usually what you do first off when somebody has superficial clot, you kind of just rest things," Lubitz said.
Lubitz said superficial blood clots are generally treated with compresses and painkillers, though some patients may require more extensive treatment. She said the recovery timeline can vary.
"The truth is, it could take as long as six weeks for everything to resolve, but he may be able to play again. It's all going to depend on how they're treating him honestly," Lubitz said.
Tanner McKee is expected to start in place of Hurts against the Panthers.
"As a quarterback, especially as a backup quarterback, you have to be ready at a moment's notice. So the thing that's been nice is the way I prepare and the way that I've been preparing is not going to change," McKee said.
McKee said he hopes Hurts can return soon.
"I love Jalen. He's a great teammate to me, he's been a great mentor to me. We've been brothers for the last 4 years, so obviously hope all the best for him," McKee said.
The 28-year-old Hurts has 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and earned MVP honors after they beat the Kansas City Chiefs to win the championship in the 2024 season.
Hurts is in the midst of a five-year, $255 million extension, including $179.3 million guaranteed, with the Eagles that takes him through the 2028 season.
The Eagles stunned fans when they drafted Hurts out of Oklahoma in the second round in 2020. They seemingly had Carson Wentz entrenched at QB and had more pressing needs. Hurts was expected to serve as insurance for Wentz. Instead, he supplanted him and became one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL.
ESPN contributed to this report.