Eagles Quarterback Hurts Sidelined Indefinitely as Blood Clot Begins Moving

Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts has been sidelined indefinitely by a blood clot complication. The clot began moving, creating what doctors see as a life-or-death situation, and the team has placed him on injured reserve.

Being on injured reserve means Hurts has to miss a minimum of four games. But with the Eagles wanting to make sure the blood clot dissipates completely, his return could remain on hold indefinitely.

Jay Glazer said on FOX NFL Sunday that the Eagles would only bring back their franchise quarterback if the clot has completely melted. At first, Glazer said, the blood clot was superficial and was not moving around, which was why Hurts played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London this past week.

But once the clot changed and started moving, the situation changed. Glazer said you do not mess around with a moving blood clot, because it could be a life-or-death situation. For Hurts to come back, the clot needs to be completely melted, and several scans must confirm it is entirely gone — if it floats up to the wrong areas, it would be very, very dangerous.

David Chao, who served as the Los Angeles Chargers' team doctor for 17 years, recently raised the same concern. Chao questioned whether the movement means the clot is propagating into a bigger superficial clot, or whether it has become a deep vein clot. If it is a deep vein clot, he said, Hurts is out for multiple weeks at least.

Dr. Drew Burdi, a former college football player turned surgeon, has said the Eagles' flight from London could possibly have impacted Hurts' blood clot.

With Hurts on injured reserve, his backup Tanner McKee made his first start of the season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Eagles fell 25-14, with McKee throwing for 215 yards and a touchdown to DeVonta Smith.

The Eagles will be without Hurts for at least next week's Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders, and a matchup with the New York Giants — all three NFC East divisional games.

Hurts is not Philadelphia's only injury concern this season. Running back Saquon Barkley missed another game on Sunday with a hamstring injury, while running backs Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley are also dealing with ailments. Offensive lineman Lane Johnson, meanwhile, surprised everyone by retiring mid-season.

All told, Hurts' season now depends on scan results. Until the clot is completely gone, the Eagles have made clear they will take no chances with their quarterback's return.