Eagles place Jalen Hurts on IR, as he deals with superficial blood clot
Quick Look
- The Philadelphia Eagles placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve due to a superficial blood clot in his calf, sidelining him for at least four games including matchups against the Panthers, Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants.
- Tanner McKee will start and Cole Payton will back up while Hurts works with medical staff on treatment, with a potential return against the Steelers on Nov.
- 22 not guaranteed.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Jalen Hurts experienced calf pain four days after the Eagles' Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. An ultrasound in London revealed a superficial blood clot, which later moved, raising concerns about potential health risks.
The Philadelphia Eagles are placing quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out this week with a superficial blood clot, on injured reserve, the team officially announced on Saturday, after consultations with numerous doctors and experts. Going on IR sidelines a player for at least four weeks, meaning Hurts will miss this weekend's game, as the team previously announced, along with three divisional games.
He will miss matchups against the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants. Hurts will be eligible to return against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 22, but that doesn't mean he is guaranteed to be back then.
With Hurts out, Tanner McKee will be leading the offense, and rookie Cole Payton will be the backup.
The Eagles released a statement saying Hurts requested treatment on his calf four days after their Week 4 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles performed an ultrasound on his leg after they landed in London for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and found the superficial blood clot.
The team's medical staff determined he could play, and the team conducted a follow-up ultrasound where they found the blood clot had moved, which can lead to a serious health situation.
When he can play will be determined by his medical team, meaning he could miss more than just four games. Hurts is still working on the best treatment plan for the situation and the team believes it is treatable. Hurts and the team are both still looking into more options and are putting the quarterback's health as top priority.
Jalen Hurts blood clot: Expert weighs in on Eagles' situation, and when QB could return to the field
Jordan Dajani
Blood thinners are a main treatment for blood clots and a player cannot play while on that medication. Typically, a patient would be on blood thinners for six weeks, but if the clot is minor, it may be treatable with other measures, such as anti-inflammatories.
If the clot worsens, it could mean more time on blood thinners, which would, in turn, mean more time away from the field.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Jalen Hurts will miss at least four games due to injured reserve designation
Very likely · Within weeks
Tanner McKee will start as quarterback for the Eagles in Hurts' absence
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When will Jalen Hurts be cleared to return to play?
- What specific treatment plan is being pursued for Hurts' blood clot?
- How will the Eagles' offense perform without Hurts as starting quarterback?
