Business Fortune: Blood Clots in Lungs Sideline Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts Has Blood Clots in Lungs, Expected to Miss Eagles' Season

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has blood clots in lungs and faces at least three months of treatment, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network.

Blood Clots in Lungs: Jalen Hurts Expected to Miss Eagles' Season

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has blood clots in lungs and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 NFL season, ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday.

At a glance

What: Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots in both lungs and faces at least three months of blood-thinner treatment.

When: Announced Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.

Who: Hurts, agent Nicole Lynn, the Eagles and backup Tanner McKee.

What did the Eagles and Hurts' camp announce?

The Eagles and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, issued a joint statement Monday. It confirmed a deep vein thrombosis, meaning a clot formed in his leg, and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning a clot traveled to his lungs. The outlook, in the statement's words: "Jalen's prognosis is very good and we expect a full recovery." The team placed him on injured reserve over the weekend.

How did a calf injury turn into blood clots in lungs?

Hurts told trainers he was cleated in the calf during the Oct. 4 loss to the Rams. He sought treatment four days later. Then came London. An evaluation on Oct. 10 found a superficial clot and doctors there concluded that staying active was safe, so he played, throwing for 220 yards in a 19-17 loss to Jacksonville. A follow-up ultrasound on Oct. 14 showed movement in the clot and the Eagles ruled him out of the Panthers game a day later.

Who plays quarterback now?

Tanner McKee.

The 26 year old has two career starts, both in Week 18 games. He learned of his promotion from Hurts himself, who told him, "Looks like you're going to be the guy this week." Rookie Cole Payton is also on the roster.

When could Hurts return?

Sources put his treatment at three months at minimum. As relayed by Yahoo Sports, the team's statement anticipates he can resume contact football once he's off blood thinners, with no long-term effects. No firm return date exists.

Three months from now lands around late January. A postseason comeback would look like a long shot, though that's an inference, not a team statement.

More to Know

What a pulmonary embolism is: It typically happens when a clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

He wasn't at his best before this: His passer rating and completion percentage were career lows as the Eagles' full-time starter.

He isn't the first football player here: Tennessee's Trey Smith missed the rest of the 2018 season with lung clots and was later cleared to play. Panthers lineman Taylor Moton returned to practice after recovering from lung clots, per AP.

The Eagles lose their franchise quarterback for what reports describe as the rest of 2026, but the team's own language points to a full recovery. The medical details are now clear.

Business Fortune believes, the football fallout, including how McKee handles the job, is what remains to be written.

FAQs

Is Jalen Hurts out for the 2026 season?
Yes, per ESPN and NFL Network sources. The Eagles' statement didn't state a return date.
What are bilateral pulmonary emboli?
Blood clots in both lungs. In Hurts' case, the team says a clot traveled there from his leg.
Will Jalen Hurts play football again?
The team anticipates he can resume contact football once off blood thinners, per Yahoo Sports' relay of the statement.
How long is Hurts' treatment for blood clots in lungs?
Reports say at least three months, using blood thinners.
Who is the Eagles' starting quarterback now?
Tanner McKee was slated to start in Hurts' absence.