The Philadelphia Eagles will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers after the team announced Thursday that he has a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Hurts had been a full participant in Friday’s practice before Philadelphia faced Jacksonville in London and carried no injury designation into that game. The Eagles later released a statement explaining how the condition was discovered.
According to the team, Hurts went to the training room after practice on Thursday, Oct. 8, seeking treatment for his calf. He told the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on Oct. 4. It was his first treatment for the calf issue after that game, and he had practiced fully on both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, he received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.
The team said an ultrasound was performed Saturday after the flight to London and the walkthrough as a precaution. It revealed a superficial blood clot. Eagles medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and determined that movement and activity were important and that Hurts could play safely. They recommended another ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.
Hurts played without restrictions in Sunday’s game, received treatment Monday and Tuesday, and practiced fully Wednesday, according to the practice report. The Eagles said they remained in contact with the league office throughout their time in London and this week.
On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in the small clot. The Eagles said Hurts will miss Sunday’s game against Carolina while they determine the best treatment plan, adding that his health and safety remain the top priority.
When asked about the injury Wednesday, Hurts said he was “nicked” against the Rams on Oct. 4 and suggested the week before the Jacksonville game was unusual. He described it as a unique experience but did not want to discuss the details leading up to the game, repeating only that he was banged up against Los Angeles.
Against Jacksonville, Hurts did not enter the field until just before kickoff and used a stationary bike between series. He said both were connected to his calf. He finished 21-of-40 passing for 220 yards and one touchdown in a 19-17 loss.
Tanner McKee is expected to start at home in Hurts’ place against the Panthers.
Hurts, 28, has thrown for 933 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has helped lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and was named MVP after Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win the championship in the 2024 season.