Jalen Hurts Placed on Injured Reserve with Calf Blood Clot

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve by the Philadelphia Eagles following the discovery of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The diagnosis sidelines the quarterback for a minimum of four games, forcing backup Tanner McKee into the starting role amid a three-game losing streak.

Superficial Blood Clot Discovered After Team Flight to London

The medical emergency unfolded over several days after Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. During that contest, Hurts took a direct cleat to his calf. He requested treatment from the team training staff on October 8, according to the official team statement.

Hurts practiced fully before the team boarded a flight to London ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Medical staff performed an ultrasound on October 10 following the team’s arrival and walkthrough in the United Kingdom. The scan revealed a superficial blood clot, but doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play.

Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday (Oct. 10) following the team’s flight to London and walk-through. 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.

Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts started against Jacksonville. He returned to practice in full upon returning to the United States. However, a mandatory follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday night revealed movement in the small blood clot, prompting team physicians to rule him out immediately.

Indefinite Sidelining and the Strict Return Condition

While placement on injured reserve carries a mandatory four-week absence that keeps Hurts out until at least a November 22 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his return timeline remains open-ended. Jay Glazer reported on Fox NFL Sunday that team management and medical personnel have established a rigorous health benchmark for the quarterback’s eventual comeback.

Jay Glazer explained on the pregame show that at first, the blood clot was superficial and not moving, but once it changed and started moving, the situation became serious because if it floats up to the wrong areas, it would be very dangerous.

David Chao, who served as the Los Angeles Chargers’ team doctor for 17 years, told OutKick that medical evaluations must determine whether the clot is merely propagating within superficial veins or if it has progressed into a deeper vein thrombosis.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing the importance of athletes voicing physical concerns.

It’s scary when you get things like that. Blood clots, you’re talking about someone’s life, especially with the plane trip and all that they took. Yeah, it’s scary. If you’re feeling something, speak up on it.

Dak Prescott

Tanner McKee Takes Over a Sputtering Offense

With Hurts sidelined, Tanner McKee steps into the starting lineup as Philadelphia attempts to halt a three-game skid. McKee, a backup drafted in the sixth round out of Stanford in 2023, has made just two career starts, both in Week 18 regular-season finales.

The offense McKee inherits is heavily depleted. Running back Saquon Barkley missed consecutive games with a hamstring injury, while backups Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley reside on injured reserve, leaving the backfield to Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele. Up front, the offensive line underwent disruption following right tackle Lane Johnson’s retirement after 13-plus seasons and the trade of Cam Jurgens to the Houston Texans.

Behind McKee, the quarterback depth chart shifted when Andy Dalton declined a return to Philadelphia. The Eagles had cut Dalton nine days prior, and though the franchise attempted to re-sign him, Dalton elected to sign with another club. Philadelphia instead added Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad alongside rookie Cole Payton.

Quarterback Usage and Roster Metrics

Head coach Nick Sirianni and his coaching staff face the challenge of managing an injury report that listed multiple players during the week.

More on this story: Philadelphia Eagles keep Jalen Hurts off injured reserve despite blood clot · Patriots Activate Wide Receiver A.J. Brown From Injured Reserve

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