Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts Sidelined by Blood Clots
The team announced that Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the season due to deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Basketball
The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Monday that starting quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Consequently, the team expects Hurts to miss the remainder of the current season.
Why it matters
Athletes face elevated risks for these conditions due to factors such as long-distance travel, physical trauma, and recovery-related immobility. Medical experts note that these serious complications require careful management before an athlete can safely return to the field.
A 2017 study of 55 athletes with blood clots found that seven did not return to their sport, while Victor Wembanyama previously missed 30 games in 2025 due to a deep-vein thrombosis diagnosis.
The players
Jalen Hurts
He is the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been sidelined by a serious medical diagnosis.
Philadelphia Eagles
This professional football organization is based in Philadelphia and competes in the National Football League.
Victor Wembanyama
He is a professional basketball player who previously missed 30 games in 2025 while dealing with a deep-vein thrombosis.
Serena Williams
This professional tennis icon was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms in both 2010 and 2017.
The details
Jalen Hurts, who was earlier diagnosed with a superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf, reportedly developed these severe conditions following team travel to London. Deep-vein thrombosis occurs in the calf, thigh, or pelvis, while pulmonary embolism arises when a clot travels through the bloodstream to block an artery in the lungs.
Timeline
October 2026: Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf.
October 19, 2026: The Philadelphia Eagles announced the official medical diagnosis.
Season Trajectory
The loss of Jalen Hurts forces an immediate pivot in the team's roster strategy as they navigate the remainder of the schedule without their primary signal-caller. This development significantly alters the competitive outlook for the Eagles as they look to maintain their standing without their key playmaker.
The absence of Jalen Hurts for the rest of the season removes the team's primary offensive driver from the lineup. This roster change necessitates adjustments to depth chart strategy and impacts performance expectations for the remaining games.
The takeaway
Patients diagnosed with these conditions often require long recovery windows, with professional athletes taking an average of 6.7 months to return. Maintaining hydration and managing mobility during long-distance travel remain critical health strategies for athletes to mitigate these specific risks.
Further reading
For more updates on professional sports rosters, visit the Philadelphia Basketball page.
