Jalen Hurts on injured reserve with blood clots, CBS News reports
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faces a prolonged absence from the football field after medical evaluations revealed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in his lungs, CBS News reported.
Hurts Sought Calf Treatment After Rams Game
The progression of Hurts’ medical condition developed over several weeks following an October 4, 2026 game against the Los Angeles Rams. During that matchup, Hurts sustained an impact to his left calf that he later characterized as being kicked or cleated, according to reporting compiled by CBS Sports. On October 8, after noticing discomfort, Hurts sought treatment on the calf. Team injury reports listed him with a calf issue heading into the team’s international trip.
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The Philadelphia Eagles traveled to London on October 9 for a Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While abroad on October 10, medical specialists evaluated Hurts and diagnosed a superficial blood clot in his left calf via an MRI. Initial reports claimed medical staff advised the quarterback to stay awake, resulting in a roughly 36-hour period without sleep prior to kickoff. The NFL later disputed those accounts as misinformation, stating that league personnel only encouraged players, coaches, and staff to stay awake following the game to maintain standard travel routines upon returning to the United States without a bye week.
Hurts played the full game on October 11, throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 loss to the Jaguars, before flying back to Philadelphia that evening. Following a second ultrasound on October 14 that revealed movement in the superficial clot, the medical picture shifted. By October 17, the Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve. Subsequent evaluations detected deep vein thrombosis in his left leg alongside blood clots in his lungs.
How committed is Jalen Hurts to football? After initially being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in London, doctors told him not to sleep as a precaution, so he had been awake for roughly 36 hours when he started against the Jaguars, throwing for 220 yards and a TD. https://t.co/rAm0xGNHk0
Disputes Over Medical Clearance and Air Travel
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook noted that extended flights increase the risk of blood clots due to cabin dehydration and limited mobility. Organizations such as the CDC make similar warnings about flying.
An NFL spokesperson told CBS News that the league was not aware of any planned review into the matter.
Blood Thinners Require Three Month Recovery Period
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, released a joint statement indicating a very good overall prognosis and anticipating a full recovery. Medical protocol requires a three-month course of blood thinners to address the clots in his lungs and leg. Doctors will monitor his progress closely during this period.
While undergoing treatment, Hurts will remain around the team to handle conditioning work while staying sidelined from all contact football activities.
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More on Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is on blood thinners after additional testing revealed a deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in his lungs, his agent said in a joint statement with the team. https://t.co/guPFcunCYY pic.twitter.com/CmtIcrucbO
"A more conscientious decision should have been made to protect Jalen Hurts the person."@RanCarthon on Jalen Hurts expected to miss the rest of the season due to blood clots in lungs.#Boxscore pic.twitter.com/U4rZtbVjzp