Eagles QB Jalen Hurts to Miss Rest of 2026 Season Due to Blood Clots

Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the 2026 season

Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after blood clots were discovered in his lungs. The Eagles QB is stable and projected for a full recovery.

What started as a superficial blood clot has escalated into a season-ending diagnosis for Jalen Hurts...

Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the 2026 season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.

In a significant and sobering update that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after further testing revealed multiple blood clots in his lungs.

What began as a concerning but manageable injury for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken a far more serious turn. On Monday, the team and Hurts’ agent confirmed that further medical testing revealed multiple blood clots in his lungs, effectively ending his 2026 season.

The Super Bowl LIX MVP, already sidelined with what was initially diagnosed as a superficial blood clot in his left calf, is now dealing with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. While Hurts is clinically stable and expected to make a full recovery, he will remain on blood thinners and is prohibited from any contact activities for the foreseeable future meaning the Eagles will finish the year without their franchise quarterback.

“Jalen was initially diagnosed by specialists in London with a left calf superficial vein thrombosis. After further testing and monitoring, the current diagnosis is a deep vein thrombosis, as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli. He is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations. His treatment should only involve anticoagulation (i.e. ‘blood thinners’). During this time, he will not be allowed to participate in any contact activities, including football.”

The statement emphasized a positive long-term outlook: “Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery. We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners. In the meantime, he will remain active around the team and continue to condition. More importantly, we anticipate that he will have no long-term effects.”

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— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 19, 2026

According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hurts’ treatment is expected to last approximately three months, effectively ending any realistic chance of a 2026 return. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl LIX MVP had already been placed on injured reserve, which required a minimum four-game absence. This latest development closes the door for the rest of the year.

What This Means for the Eagles

The timing could hardly be worse. The Eagles sit at 2-4 after dropping four consecutive games their first four-game skid under head coach Nick Sirianni and the franchise’s first since 2020. Backup Tanner McKee made his first meaningful start of the season in Sunday’s 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. While he showed flashes, the offense struggled overall amid a rash of injuries, including running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring).

McKee is now the clear starter moving forward. The Eagles face a tough upcoming stretch that includes Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by divisional matchups against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants. With Hurts sidelined for the foreseeable future, Philadelphia’s playoff hopes already dimming hang in the balance in a competitive NFC East.

Hurts, 28, has been the face of the franchise since taking over as the full-time starter. His dual-threat ability, leadership, and resilience have defined the Eagles’ recent success. This health scare serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of the game and the seriousness of vascular issues, even for elite athletes.

The focus now shifts to Hurts’ recovery and the team’s ability to adapt without its franchise quarterback. Medical experts note that anticoagulation therapy is standard for DVT and pulmonary emboli, but the restriction on contact activities is non-negotiable due to bleeding risks. Full recovery is expected once he completes the course of blood thinners, potentially positioning him for a strong return in 2027.

For Eagles fans, the news is understandably disappointing. Yet the organization’s transparency and the optimistic prognosis offer some reassurance. Hurts has overcome challenges before on and off the field. This latest hurdle, while serious, appears one he is well-positioned to clear.

The Birds will continue without their leader under center for the rest of 2026. How the supporting cast responds will define the remainder of the season.