Eagles QB Jalen Hurts diagnosed with blood clot as he’s ruled out of showdown with Panthers with scary injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has a superficial blood clot and will now miss Sunday’s game against the visiting Carolina Panthers.

The blood clot was discovered before Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, where Hurts was deemed healthy enough to play and finished the game without incident.

Since then, a follow-up ultrasound has been performed, revealing movement in the blood clot. As a result, the team has ruled Hurts out for Sunday.

In the team statement, Eagles officials emphasized their constant communication with the league office about the matter and their compliance with NFL rules on the reporting of injuries.

‘On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf,’ read the statement from the Eagles. ‘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 statement continued. ‘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.’

A superficial blood clot is one that develops in a vein close to the surface of the skin. 

Tanner McKee is currently listed as Hurt’s backup on the Eagles’ public-facing depth chart. The 26-year-old Stanford product has completed 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns in six appearances for Philadelphia. His career interception rate of 1.1 percent would rank first in NFL history had McKee enough passing attempts to qualify. 

The Eagles recently waived veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Earlier this season, when Hurts was being checked for a concussion against Chicago, Dalton tossed a costly interception en route to Philadelphia’s 27-7 loss. 

The Eagles are 2-3 this season and have lost three straight amid injuries to guard Landon Dickerson, the trade of center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens, and the abrupt retirement of right tackle Lane Johnson.