Jalen Hurts ruled out of Eagles' Week 6 matchup vs. Panthers due to superficial blood clot

The Philadelphia Eagles will be without their starting quarterback this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, as the team has ruled out Jalen Hurts due to a superficial blood clot.

On Thursday, the Eagles announced that it was believed that Hurts suffered a calf injury during the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. After the team traveled to London for their Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hurts underwent an ultrasound that revealed a blood clot. The Eagles' medical staff and doctors concluded Hurts was safe to suit up and play, but did inform the league office about the situation.

During a follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday of this week, the staff discovered movement in Hurts' blood clot, which led the team to rule him out for Sunday.

Read the Eagles' full statement below:

"On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf. 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.

"Jalen played without limitation in the game Sunday, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full on Wednesday, as reflected in the practice report. Throughout our time in London and this week, we have remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter.

"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."

This is something that will have to be monitored closely, and it could force Hurts to miss more than one game. Just hours before the Eagles discovered movement in the blood clot, Hurts addressed the "calf injury" that led him to be listed on the injury report last Friday and on Wednesday.

"It was a very unique experience, to say the least," Hurts said. "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."

The Eagles did not go into detail about the clot, but this could be classified as "superficial thrombophlebitis," per Harvard Health Publishing. This is different than "deep vein thrombosis," which is a much more serious condition that requires anti-clotting drugs. We've seen several cases of deep vein thrombosis in the NBA, including with Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, who missed the final 30 games of the 2024-25 season after doctors discovered deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. As for superficial thrombophlebitis, Harvard Health Publishing says it can improve over the course of one week to several weeks. Each case is different.

Eagles' upcoming schedule

WeekOpponent

6

vs. Carolina Panthers

7

vs. Dallas Cowboys

8

at Washington Commanders

9

vs. New York Giants

10

BYE

With Hurts out, Tanner McKee is expected to start under center for the Eagles. He's 1-1 in his two career starts over the last two years and has played in a total of six NFL games. In the 2024 regular-season finale, the former sixth-round pick out of Stanford impressed in a 20-13 win over the Giants. McKee completed 27 of 41 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Philly also has rookie Cole Payton on the roster. He was selected in the fifth round of this year's draft out of North Dakota State.

While the Eagles just released Andy Dalton last week, NFL Media reports that the veteran is an option to return. He's reportedly been in contact with a few teams, but he's familiar with Nick Sirianni's offense if the Eagles decide to go that route.

Through five games, Hurts has completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions in a 2-3 start. Sunday's loss to the Jaguars in London snapped a franchise-record streak of 76 games where the Eagles were .500 or better, per CBS Sports Research.