Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is facing a prolonged absence from the field after doctors diagnosed him with severe blood clots in his lungs and leg, a development that has also thrust the NFL franchise’s medical handling of the star player under scrutiny.
In a joint statement released Monday, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that the quarterback is dealing with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The condition involves blood clots forming in his left leg and traveling to both lungs. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the statement indicated that his prognosis is very good, and officials anticipate a full recovery without long-term effects.
The medical issue began to unfold shortly before the Eagles’ October 11, 2026, matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. A day prior to the game, doctors diagnosed Hurts with a superficial blood clot in his left calf and instructed him to stay awake overnight. According to NFL insiders, the quarterback remained awake for approximately 36 hours before being released from the hospital and receiving brief rest ahead of the game.
Despite the initial diagnosis, medical personnel cleared Hurts to play in London. He completed the contest, throwing for 222 yards and one touchdown in a 19-17 loss to the Jaguars, and subsequently flew back to the United States with the team.
Following the team’s return, Hurts’ condition deteriorated significantly, leading to the discovery of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DVT occurs when a blood clot develops in deep veins, typically in the lower extremities, while a pulmonary embolism happens when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, presenting potentially life-threatening risks.
Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News chief medical correspondent who is not involved in Hurts’ treatment, explained the mechanics of the condition during a broadcast appearance, noting that clots originating in the leg can travel to the heart and block blood vessels in the lungs. While it remains too early to determine if the condition could affect his career long-term, LaPook noted that standard treatment involves administering blood thinners for three months before reevaluating the patient.
The timeline of Hurts’ travel has sparked significant backlash directed at the Eagles and their medical staff. Questions have centered on whether allowing the quarterback to fly to London and return to the U.S. shortly after a DVT diagnosis exacerbated his condition. LaPook noted that extended air travel involves limited mobility and potential dehydration, which can impede blood flow back to the heart and elevate clot risks.
The CDC warns that extended periods of limited mobility during long-distance travel increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, aviation and medical organizations recommend specific waiting periods before flying following a DVT diagnosis. The International Air Transport Association advises that stable individuals should wait at least five days before boarding a flight, while the British Thoracic Society recommends waiting two weeks for patients with DVT or PE.
When questioned about the decision to clear Hurts to play in London and permit him to fly home, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni defended his reliance on the team’s medical professionals. Stating he is a football coach rather than a medical expert, Sirianni emphasized that he places full trust and faith in his medical staff during such situations.
Under current treatment plans, Hurts will remain on blood thinners for the next three months while medical staff monitor his progress. The team stated that he will stay active around the organization and maintain his conditioning. Officials anticipate that once he is taken off blood thinners, he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities.
