Jalen Hurts out Week 6 vs. Panthers due to superficial blood clot

Jalen Hurts is out for the Eagles’ Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday with a superficial blood clot.

The Eagles said the clot was discovered Saturday in London, but doctors cleared him to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. A follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday revealed that the clot had moved, prompting the team to rule him out as doctors determine the appropriate treatment.

Here is the full statement from the Eagles:

“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf. He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.

“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

“Jalen played without limitation in the game Sunday, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full on Wednesday, as reflected in the practice report. Throughout our time in London and this week, we have remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter.

“On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. Jalen will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.”

Hurts was 21-for-40 in the Eagles’ 19-17 heartbreaking loss in London last week, throwing for 220 and a touchdown, and being sacked once for a 77.1 rating. He only rushed twice, though, for two yards in the Eagles’ lowest rushing performance as a team since 2015.

Hurts this season has completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, posting a QBR of 56.5.

Obviously, this is the last thing the 2-3 Eagles, whose injury report already looks like a CVS receipt, could have hoped for. They are already down so many key players on offense, with Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith also likely missing Sunday’s game, and an already patchwork offensive line.

It is safe to say Hurts is out until his medical situation is solved. Until then, Tanner McKee will be the starter moving forward. McKee started the season below Andy Dalton on the depth chart until Dalton was released following Week 3. Dalton could return to be the new QB2.

McKee was drafted by the Eagles out of Stanford in the 2023 Draft’s sixth round. He has played six games in his career, starting two of them, and is 54-for-88, a 61.4% completion rate, with 597 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. His last start came against the Washington Commanders in a meaningless Week 18 24-17 loss last season, going 21-for-40 with one touchdown and one interception.

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