The diagnosis marks a significant escalation from an initial finding of a superficial blood clot in Hurts’ calf, which was identified during an ultrasound on Oct. 10 upon the team’s arrival in London for an international series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Hurts played in that contest, subsequent testing in Philadelphia revealed that the clot had moved, resulting in the current condition where blood clots are present in the pulmonary arteries of both lungs.
Hurts, 28, who led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last year, was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 17. A statement released by his agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed that Hurts is “clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations.” However, because he is currently undergoing treatment with blood thinners, he is “not allowed to participate in any contact activities, including football.” Lynn stated that the prognosis is “very good and we expect a full recovery,” adding that they anticipate “no long-term effects.”
The severity of Hurts’ condition has raised questions regarding the events leading up to the London game. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hurts was in the hospital until 4 a.m. the morning of the Jaguars game and did not sleep because it was considered a medical risk. NBC Philadelphia reporter John Clark clarified that staying awake was a doctor’s order. Despite being awake for approximately 36 consecutive hours, Hurts took the field, entering “long after” the rest of the team during warm-ups.
In Hurts’ absence, the Eagles have begun a four-game losing streak, their first since 2020. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee started in a 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and will remain the starter as Philadelphia sits with a 2-4 record. The team faces critical divisional matchups against the Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants, which will determine their standing in the NFC East race.
Hurts is expected to return to football-related activities once he is off blood thinners, a process that reports indicate may take at least three months. Until then, Lynn said Hurts will “remain active around the team and continue to condition.” The Eagles have not provided a specific return-to-play date, though the season-ending prognosis remains the primary focus for the organization.
