Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the 2026 season following a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While the NFL has declined to investigate the team’s medical handling of the injury, the decision to allow Hurts to play in London has sparked widespread scrutiny.
Blood Clots Sideline Jalen Hurts for the Season
The Philadelphia Eagles announced that Jalen Hurts has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to blood clots in his lungs. The diagnosis followed a series of health complications that began after Hurts sustained a calf injury during a Week 4 matchup against the Rams. According to a joint statement from the team and his agent, Nicole Lynn, the quarterback is currently undergoing treatment with blood thinners and will not be cleared for any football activities until he is off the medication.
The situation escalated significantly when it was revealed that Hurts had played in the team’s Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London after being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf just days prior. Medical experts note that while athletes are not necessarily more predisposed to clotting than the general population, factors such as long-haul air travel can increase risks. Dr. Elizabeth Barchi, a sports medicine specialist at ChristianaCare, explained that cutting off or slowing down blood flow has serious consequences
because tissues require oxygen to survive, and a pulmonary embolism—where a clot travels to the lungs—represents a life-threatening event.
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NFLPA Challenges League Decision Not to Investigate Eagles
The NFL has formally stated it will not investigate the Philadelphia Eagles regarding the medical care provided to Hurts. During the league’s fall meeting, Allen Sills defended the team’s staff, describing their approach as very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded in every step.
However, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has publicly challenged the league’s posture. In a statement provided to media outlets, the union asserted, The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts.
The union further argued that a formal review is necessary to ensure players receive the highest standard of care.
My official apology to @JalenHurts @Eagles and the entire fanbase. My comments were wrong. No excuse. pic.twitter.com/fhHW2VFT39
Nick Sirianni Faces Questions as Hurts Contract Guarantees Decline
With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles must play the remainder of the 2026 season. Head coach Nick Sirianni has faced intense questioning regarding the team’s transparency, but he maintained that he relies entirely on his medical experts for player clearance.
Hurts is currently playing in the third season of a five-year, $255 million contract extension. Financial data from Over the Cap indicates that the deal’s guarantees decline to $22 million after this season, leaving the organization with potential flexibility to pivot at the quarterback position. As the team prepares for a season finish without their franchise leader, speculation has intensified regarding whether the Eagles will look to rebuild their coaching staff and roster starting in 2027.
Comparison of Athlete Health Protocols
| Athlete | Condition | Outcome/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Hurts | Deep vein thrombosis / Pulmonary embolism | Out for 2026 season |
While the Eagles continue to face questions about their internal decision-making, the broader sports world has seen other high-profile athletes manage similar diagnoses. NBA players Victor Wembanyama, Chris Bosh, and Damian Lillard, along with NFL player Christian Barmore, have previously dealt with blood clot conditions. Despite these precedents, the specific circumstances surrounding Hurts’ travel to London and subsequent participation in a game remain a point of contention for analysts and the NFLPA alike.
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
More on Jalen Hurts
“if I'm Jalen Hurts − or anybody in Jalen Hurts' camp − I'm saying, 'Well if everybody's hurt, I'm hurt, too.' “To me, it looked like Jalen is kind of getting himself out of the fray so that this lost season..he's pulling himself out so that this doesn't look like it's on me." pic.twitter.com/nqw8J8emov
Jalen Hurts had a blood clot in his leg, on 36 hours of no sleep, with key players out all over the offense, and still put together what should have been a game winning drive against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Legend.#Eagles
Just spoke to Jalen Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, who clarified that while Hurts was up until early Sunday morning getting evaluated at a hospital, he was able to sleep upon rejoining the team and the Eagles set aside a room for him at the stadium. Videos from the stadium show Hurts… https://t.co/G35Tn1poa4
Head Coach Nick Sirianni speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/bhrF5AJnfQ
Vic Fangio when asked about Jalen Hurts being out for the season with blood clots says Hurts is a tough-minded individual “He’ll take this and turn it into a positive somehow”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the league welcomes an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots after the players’ union asked for one.https://t.co/DpMEWpkBOQ
The NFL Players Association issued a statement Tuesday night calling for a “full investigation” into the medical care provided to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.Story via @Tim_McManus:https://t.co/4SjFrabWLJ
Sean Mannion says Jalen Hurts has been around the team and he wants him to continue to be around because he can be a “positive impact” to the team