The Philadelphia Eagles have placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve due to a moving blood clot in his calf, ESPN reported. This decision follows medical consultations and means Hurts will miss at least four weeks of play.
Hurts initially sought treatment four days after the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The team conducted an ultrasound on his leg after arriving in London for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which revealed a superficial blood clot. The Eagles’ medical staff initially cleared Hurts to play, but a follow-up ultrasound showed the clot had moved, raising serious health concerns.
The Eagles released a statement saying Hurts and the medical team are still determining the best treatment plan. The team believes the condition is treatable and are prioritizing the quarterback’s health. Blood thinners are the main treatment for blood clots, but players on that medication cannot participate in games. Typically, treatment lasts six weeks, though minor clots might be managed with alternative methods such as anti-inflammatories.
If the clot worsens, Hurts could face extended time on blood thinners, which would prolong his absence from the field. The exact timeline for his return remains uncertain and depends on the progression of his condition and response to treatment.
With Hurts sidelined for this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers, Tanner McKee will lead the Eagles’ offense. The team’s rookie quarterback Cole Payton is set to serve as backup. To strengthen quarterback depth, the Eagles signed Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, bringing their total to four quarterbacks on the roster. This move had fueled speculation that Hurts was headed to injured reserve.
The Eagles’ medical staff found the initial blood clot after an ultrasound in London, but the subsequent discovery of the clot’s movement has triggered this cautious approach. The team is balancing the urgency of the NFL season with careful management of Hurts’ health risks.
Hurts remains actively engaged with doctors to explore treatment options. The Eagles emphasize that his health is the priority, and further updates will depend on medical evaluations.
According to CBS.