Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III, who suffered a similar pulmonary embolism in high school, expressed shock that Hurts was cleared to board a flight after initial clots were discovered in his calf.
The diagnosis brings a sudden end to Hurts’ 2026 campaign. Eagles officials confirmed the quarterback was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli after small blood clots traveled from his calf to his lungs.
Despite the initial discovery of a superficial blood clot in his calf, Hurts played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 on October 11 and flew back to Philadelphia with the team before further examinations revealed the more severe pulmonary condition.
Kenneth Walker III Reacts to the Flight Decision
The decision to allow Hurts to travel by air after medical staff detected a blood clot drew immediate scrutiny from around the league, including from players with personal medical history on the matter. Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III dealt with a pulmonary embolism affecting both lungs during his high school years—an ordeal that nearly ended his football career before it started.
When asked by local media about the Eagles quarterback during a Friday press conference, Walker expressed disbelief that Hurts had boarded an airplane with active clotting issues.
Yeah, honestly, just stay positive, obviously, I guess you know about what happened in high school, like with the blood clots and everything, but, and he went on the flight, and everything, that’s crazy. Yeah, honestly, just stay positive and do all the things necessary that he needs to do to get his body back right. But yeah, I’ll be praying for him because that’s not something we should take lightly.
Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs running back, via Essentiallysports
Unlike Hurts, Walker did not fly after his diagnosis.
This statement details why there was such a dramatic change in the diagnosis for Jalen Hurts. When doctors found multiple blood clots in his lungs, it went from being able to manage it to immediate treatment.Hurts is out for the season. https://t.co/5rYLhTYGuF
NFL Players Association Demands Full Investigation Into Medical Clearance
The controversy surrounding the medical protocol prompted the NFL Players Association to demand a full independent review of how the situation was handled. The union stated that the league initially indicated it had no plans to review the medical care provided to the quarterback.
Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.
NFLPA, via Essentiallysports
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the union’s call during a press conference, stating that the league welcomes the investigation as part of established processes. Goodell expressed confidence that medical protocols were followed correctly.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, defended the team’s medical staff.
The notion that there’s external factors that any of our physicians would put a player in harm’s way — that’s nonsense.
Dr. Allen Sills, NFL chief medical officer, via Inquirer
Aaron Rodgers Weighs In on League Medical Leadership
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also addressed the situation while speaking to reporters ahead of his team’s international game against the New Orleans Saints. While noting he does not have a close relationship with Hurts, Rodgers expressed concern while taking a critical stance toward the NFL’s medical office leadership.
Obviously, I don’t know the whole details about what’s going on; I’ve seen what’s been printed, and the guy in charge of all things medical at the NFL office, and I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye about things. So, I can’t say I’m really surprised.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, via Essentiallysports
Meanwhile, Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni declined to comment on the NFLPA investigation during a Thursday press conference, emphasizing that his focus remained on team preparation while adding that he trusts the team’s medical staff. The Eagles have fallen to a 2-4 record amid a four-game losing streak and must navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback.
USA TODAY Sports' Chris Bumbaca breaks down Jalen Hurts' season-ending absence due to blood clots and what it means for the Eagles moving forward. https://t.co/NxnVF6foWX
More on Jalen Hurts
#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season after several blood clots were revealed in his lungs, has been undergoing tests for days.Before the London game, Hurts was in the hospital until 4 am and did not sleep because sleep was a risk. He played without having slept. pic.twitter.com/avMUeBBOua
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