Eagles Place Jalen Hurts on Injured Reserve With Calf Blood Clot, Out at Least Four Games

The Philadelphia Eagles have placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve after doctors found a superficial blood clot in his calf, according to Fox News and The Guardian. Fox reported that he will miss a minimum of four games, which leaves backup Tanner McKee in line to start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

The Guardian reported that the move became official Saturday, two days after the team disclosed the clot. Hurts had already been ruled out of the Panthers game on Thursday.

How the calf injury unfolded

According to the Eagles' statement, Hurts was stepped on by a cleat in the team's Oct. 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He first asked for treatment on his calf after practice on Oct. 8, the team said, and told medical staff about the cleat injury then. The team said he had practiced in full on both Wednesday and Thursday that week.

He received treatment and practiced in full again Friday, and was added to the practice report, the Eagles said. After the team flew to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday, Oct. 10, following a walkthrough. The team described it as a precaution, and it showed a superficial blood clot.

The Eagles said their medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

Hurts played in the game without limitation, the team said. He received treatment Monday and Tuesday and practiced in full Wednesday. A follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night showed movement in the small clot, and the team then ruled him out against Carolina while it decides on the right course of treatment. The Eagles said they stayed in contact with the league office throughout.

What the injured reserve placement means for the schedule

Fox reported that Hurts will miss the Panthers game and the Eagles' games against each of their three NFC East rivals. Philadelphia has a bye in Week 10, which is when Hurts would first be able to return under the injured reserve rules. He is eligible to come back in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Fox.

The team has not disclosed what treatment Hurts will receive. The Eagles said only that they are determining the appropriate course.

Why it matters for the Eagles and their fans

Hurts, identified by The Guardian as the Super Bowl LIX MVP, will be out for a stretch of games for a team Fox described as struggling. The Eagles have already been playing without receiver DeVonta Smith and running back Saquon Barkley, Fox reported.

McKee, a third-year veteran, has started two games in his career, according to Fox. The team won one of them and lost the other.

The diagnosis also carries a health dimension beyond football. Fox noted that blood clots can be dangerous because they may block blood flow to vital organs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, stroke or heart attack. They can also damage tissue, and can be fatal if they form or travel without prompt treatment. The Eagles said Hurts' health and safety are their highest priority.

What to watch next

• The Eagles' decision on Hurts' treatment, which the team has not yet announced.
• Whether McKee starts Sunday against the Panthers, as Fox reported he is in line to do.
• Hurts' possible return in Week 11 against the Steelers, after the Week 10 bye.

Sources: Fox News, The Guardian