News Article
Published
Oct 16, 2026 at 03:00 PM EDT
The Philadelphia Eagles were dealt a brutal and unexpected blow on Thursday when they announced that quarterback Jalen Hurts would miss Sunday’s Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers due to a blood clot.
An ultrasound was first performed on Hurts the day before Philadelphia’s game against Jacksonville Jaguars in London last weekend. Doctors cleared Hurts to play on Sunday but recommended he get a follow up ultrasound after that game.
After receiving treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practicing on Wednesday, the ultrasound follow-up showed that the blood clot had moved. The Eagles haven’t revealed any sort of expected timeline for Hurts to be out, but one sports doctor is particularly concerned about his long-term health.
Sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer posted on X that there’s reason to be concerned that Hurts’ blood clot issue could potentially be a season-ending issue.
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“Oo boy - if this has progressed to a deep vein clot instead of lower risk superficial he could be looking at the end of his season,” Sutterer posted on X. “Treatment for that would be blood thinners often for multiple months and the standard is no contact sports while on blood thinners.”
The Eagles have announced that backup Tanner McKee will start in Hurts’ place against the Panthers. It could be the first of many starts for McKee if Sutterer’s concern proves to be true.
The 26-year-old McKee has looked impressive in his limited action with Philly. He’s completed 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception with a 95.7 passer rating in six appearances.
Philadelphia also signed Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad as well to backup McKee. Milton is a fan favorite in Dallas, and losing him doubles as a gut-punch to the division rival Cowboys. The Eagles have also reportedly explored the possibility of bringing back Andy Dalton, who they released earlier this season.