Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots have been found in his lungs. The Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, announced the diagnosis on October 19, confirming that he is clinically stable and undergoing treatment.
The diagnosis represents a major setback for the Eagles, who must navigate the remainder of their campaign without their starting quarterback. Hurts will be prohibited from participating in contact activities, including football, while receiving treatment with blood-thinning medication.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, the official medical update offered encouraging news about his recovery. According to the statement released by the team and Lynn, Hurts has no significant functional limitations, and his prognosis is very good. The expectation is that he will make a full recovery without long-term effects.
Hurts’ mother, Pamela Hurts, also addressed the situation in a social media post on Monday, encouraging followers to appreciate their lives and remember how quickly circumstances can change.
Her message came as her son began dealing with the medical setback. While the diagnosis has forced him away from football, the medical update indicates that his long-term health remains the priority.
The situation first emerged publicly on October 15, when Philadelphia announced that Hurts would miss the team’s upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers after an ultrasound detected a superficial blood clot in his left calf.
According to the Eagles’ account, Hurts initially sought treatment for his calf after sustaining a blow during the team’s October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Further examinations later revealed that the condition was more serious than initially understood.
The subsequent diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli changed the outlook for his season. The team placed Hurts on injured reserve on October 17, before providing additional details about his condition two days later.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing that the organization relies on medical professionals to guide decisions involving player health.
“I’m not a medical expert,” Sirianni said, explaining that he trusts the team’s medical staff to make decisions in such circumstances. He also stressed the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its players.
For Philadelphia, Hurts’ absence creates a significant challenge at the most important position on the field. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee has stepped into the starting role while Hurts remains sidelined.
However, the immediate priority is Hurts’ recovery rather than a return-to-play timetable. His agent and the Eagles have indicated that he can resume contact football activities once he is no longer taking blood thinners.
For now, the Eagles face the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback, while Hurts focuses on treatment and recovery. The encouraging prognosis offers hope for his long-term future in football, even as his 2026 campaign comes to an early end.
