Eagles Rule Out Jalen Hurts Against Panthers After Calf Blood Clot Shows Movement

Jalen Hurts will not play Sunday, Oct. 18, against the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles said Thursday, Oct. 15, that the quarterback has a superficial blood clot in his calf, and that a follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night showed "movement in the small blood clot."

The team is 2-3 and has lost three straight, including a 19-17 loss to Jacksonville in London on Sunday on a last-second field goal.

The timeline the Eagles laid out

According to the team's statement, Hurts was cleated in the Rams game on Oct. 4. He did not seek treatment right away. After practicing in full Wednesday and Thursday, he went to the training room on Thursday, Oct. 8, and asked for treatment on the calf. The team called that his first treatment session since the game.

He received treatment Friday, practiced in full and was added to the practice report.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, after the team flew to London and finished its walkthrough, an ultrasound was performed "out of an abundance of caution." It revealed the superficial clot.

The Eagles said their medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and "concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play." Those doctors recommended another ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

Hurts played without limitation Sunday, was treated Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full Wednesday. The second ultrasound came that night.

The team said it has been in communication with the league office throughout, in London and this week.

What Hurts has said

Asked after Wednesday's practice about his calf, Hurts did not offer details. "It was a very unique experience to say the least," he said. "I don't want to get into the details of leading up to the game and whatnot. I got nicked up in the Rams game."

He also did not come out of the tunnel in London until just before the coin toss. "I was trying to rest," he said, laughing.

The Eagles have not said what treatment they will choose, and they have not said whether Hurts will miss more than one game. In its statement, the team said only that Hurts will be out Sunday "as we determine the appropriate course of treatment."

"His health and safety are our highest priority," the team said.

Who plays now

Tanner McKee is in line to start. He was drafted in 2023 and has played six NFL games. In 2024 he started the Week 18 finale against the Giants and went 27 of 41 for 269 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Last season he started the Week 18 finale against the Commanders and went 21 of 40 for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception. In both games the Eagles were resting starters ahead of the playoffs.

This would be McKee's first extended run in offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's scheme, which fantasy analyst Matt Schauf of DraftSharks wrote "hasn't looked good through five weeks." Schauf also noted that Carolina's defense ranks 21st in total DVOA and 18th against the pass.

The quarterback depth chart is thin. Philadelphia released veteran Andy Dalton last week. The Inquirer reports the Eagles could bring him back and have open practice squad spots.

Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season, completing 57.8% of his passes.

A team already short-handed

The quarterback news lands on a roster that has already taken hits. Right tackle Lane Johnson has retired. Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith have both dealt with injuries in recent weeks.

Philadelphia now has to play a game without its starting quarterback while it works through a medical issue that, by the team's own account, changed course overnight Wednesday.

The open questions are specific. The Eagles have not named a treatment plan, have not given a return timeline, and have not said whether Hurts will be listed as out beyond Week 6. Their next update on his status is the one to watch ahead of Sunday's kickoff against Carolina.