Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers after a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in a small superficial blood clot in his leg, ending a week that began with the team clearing him to play following a prior test in London.
The London Trip and Initial Medical Clearance
Out of an abundance of caution, team medical staff performed an ultrasound on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough for the Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That scan revealed a superficial blood clot.
Medical personnel in London reviewed the scan results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play. Following the game and the flight back to Philadelphia, physicians advised that another ultrasound be performed within 72 hours. Hurts played every snap in the loss to the Jaguars without limitation, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced fully on Wednesday.
Hurts addressed reporters on Wednesday about the physical toll, noting that he did not want to get into the details leading up to the game, but that he was nicked up in the Rams game. Throughout the London trip and the subsequent week, the organization remained in communication with the league office.
Wednesday Ultrasound Scan Changes the Playing Status
The medical outlook shifted on Wednesday night when a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the blood clot. The team announced that Hurts will miss the upcoming game against Carolina while medical staff determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Hurts has completed 57.8 percent of his passes this season for 933 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, helping guide Philadelphia to a 2–3 record. Having dropped three consecutive contests—alongside recent setbacks involving right tackle Lane Johnson’s retirement and physical ailments to standout contributors such as DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley—the Eagles are forced to proceed without their starting signal-caller for at least the upcoming matchup.
Tanner McKee Steps Into the Starting Role
With Hurts sidelined, the team turns to Tanner McKee to lead the offense against Carolina. McKee has appeared in six career games, completing 61.4 percent of his passes for 597 yards with five touchdowns and one interception, and holds a 1–1 record in two career starts.
The roster adjustment comes as Philadelphia looks to halt a three-game losing skid while managing a series of recent injuries and retirements across the lineup.