The Philadelphia Eagles will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts on Sunday after a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a superficial blood clot in his calf, forcing the team to change course only days after doctors had cleared him to play.
Philadelphia disclosed the medical timeline on October 15, 2026, saying Hurts first requested treatment for his calf after practice on October 8. He told medical staff that he had been cleated during the Eagles’ October 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He had practiced fully before seeking treatment.
After the Eagles traveled to London, the team ordered a precautionary ultrasound on October 10. That examination revealed what Philadelphia described as a superficial blood clot. Team doctors and physicians in London reviewed the scan and determined that Hurts could safely remain active and play, while recommending another ultrasound after the game and return flight.
Hurts subsequently played the entire October 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars without limitation. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss, its third consecutive defeat.
The quarterback received treatment Monday and Tuesday and was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. But Wednesday night’s follow-up ultrasound showed that the small clot had moved, according to the Eagles. The team then ruled Hurts out for Sunday’s home game against Carolina while its medical staff determines the appropriate treatment.
Philadelphia has not publicly explained where the clot moved, what treatment Hurts will receive or whether he is expected to miss additional games. The team said it has remained in communication with the NFL and emphasized that Hurts’ health and safety are its highest priority.
The absence creates another significant problem for an Eagles offense already dealing with injuries. Philadelphia enters the Carolina matchup at 2-3, while running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith were among several players who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Backup Tanner McKee is expected to start against the Panthers. McKee has appeared in six NFL games since Philadelphia drafted him in 2023 and has accumulated 597 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception in his previous regular-season opportunities.
Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions through five games this season. His availability beyond Week 6 remains uncertain, leaving Philadelphia with two immediate questions: how quickly the clot can be safely treated — and how long the Eagles will have to operate without their starting quarterback.
