Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is facing a frightening medical situation after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs, turning what initially appeared to be a manageable calf condition into a potentially life-threatening health concern.
Video
The 28-year-old NFL star has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots have been identified in both lungs. The devastating update was announced Monday, October 19, by his agent, Nicole Lynn, alongside the Eagles organization.According to NFL Network and ESPN, Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season as he undergoes treatment. Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, his representatives say he is medically stable, and doctors anticipate a full recovery.
The situation began earlier this month when Hurts reported being “cleated” in the leg during Philadelphia’s October 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Doctors initially diagnosed him with a superficial blood clot in his left calf. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a superficial clot “occurs in the superficial veins, closer to the skin” and is generally considered less dangerous than a clot developing deep within the body.
At the time, medical professionals cleared Hurts to participate in the Eagles’ October 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
However, new details about the circumstances surrounding that appearance have raised additional concerns.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed Monday that Hurts reportedly played the game after going approximately 36 hours without sleeping.
“How committed is Jalen Hurts to football? After initially being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in London, doctors told him not to sleep as a precaution, so he had been awake for roughly 36 hours when he started against the Jaguars, throwing for 220 yards and a TD,” Pelissero wrote on social media.
Despite those circumstances, Hurts delivered 220 passing yards and a touchdown while competing overseas.
His medical situation took a more alarming turn following additional examinations. A follow-up ultrasound revealed changes involving the clot, prompting the Eagles to rule him out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers and place him on injured reserve.
Further testing ultimately revealed a deeper blood clot and pulmonary emboli affecting both lungs.
In her Monday statement, Lynn addressed the seriousness of the diagnosis while offering reassurance about Hurts’ recovery.
“Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” Lynn said. “We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners.”
His treatment is expected to involve anticoagulant medication, commonly known as blood thinners, which helps prevent existing clots from growing and reduces the likelihood of additional clots developing.
However, the medication also increases bleeding risks, making participation in contact sports such as professional football unsafe during treatment.
“In the meantime, he will remain active around the team and continue to condition,” Lynn said. “More importantly, we anticipate that he will have no long-term effects.”
The news has also drawn attention to just how dangerous pulmonary embolisms can become.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a pulmonary embolism is “a blood clot that travels to your lungs from somewhere else in your body and blocks blood flow.”
These blockages can interfere with oxygen circulation and, in severe cases, lead to heart complications, permanent lung damage, or death.
Warning signs can include sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and coughing up blood. Pulmonary embolisms are considered medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Doctors have not publicly established whether his initial leg injury, travel, or another underlying factor contributed to the development of the deeper clotting condition.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are facing major uncertainty on the field.
Philadelphia currently holds a 2-4 record after losing four consecutive games. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee started against Carolina during Hurts’ absence, while the organization has also added former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton to its roster.
Before being sidelined, Hurts completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions through five games.
The three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl LIX MVP has remained one of Philadelphia’s most important players since becoming the team’s starting quarterback.
While losing Hurts for the season would deliver another significant blow to the Eagles’ playoff hopes, his recovery has become the organization’s biggest priority.
For now, the focus is no longer on when Hurts can throw another touchdown. It is on making sure the 28-year-old can safely overcome a dangerous medical condition and eventually return to the field without jeopardizing his health.
