Jalen Hurts’ injury.(Image via Getty Images)
Jalen Hurts’ 2026 NFL season has taken a frightening turn, and what initially appeared to be a calf injury has turned into a much more serious health situation for the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback. Because of his condition, but the NFL disputed claims that doctors had instructed him not to sleep, early reports suggested he had remained awake for an extended period. Subsequent reporting clarified that Hurts was able to rest before kickoff. At this stage, the available information does not establish that the Eagles’ decision to play Hurts caused his condition to worsen. That is one reason the medical timeline and the questions surrounding it need to be examined carefully. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
There have also been conflicting reports about Hurts’ sleep before the Jacksonville game.
On October 8, Hurts reportedly visited the Eagles’ training room to request treatment for his calf. Doctors also recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the team’s return flight to Philadelphia. Hurts subsequently took the field against Jacksonville on October 11. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown in a narrow 19–17 loss. The quarterback played all 62 offensive snaps, but his participation in the game would soon become a major talking point as more details about his condition emerged. He was listed as a full participant in practice on October 14 and spoke to reporters about his calf injury without revealing the full extent of the medical issue. The Eagles ruled Hurts out of their October 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers while doctors determined the appropriate course of treatment. On October 19, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent announced that further medical evaluations had identified deep vein thrombosis as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli.
An ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot in Hurts’ left calf.
The medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that he could safely play, with activity and mobility considered important, according to the team’s account. At the time, there was no public indication that the injury would turn into something so serious. He received further treatment the following day and was listed on the injury report, but he continued practicing in full. After returning to Philadelphia, Hurts continued receiving treatment. Later that evening, a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in the small blood clot. Philadelphia subsequently placed him on injured reserve, guaranteeing that he would miss at least four games. Then came the more serious update. In other words, the diagnosis extended beyond the original superficial clot in his calf to include blood clots in both lungs.
The Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed the diagnosis on October 19, adding that the quarterback is clinically stable and expected to make a full recovery. The story goes back to the Eagles’ October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams, followed by a trip to London that has since raised questions about the team’s handling of Hurts’ medical situation. It all began during the Eagles’ game against the Rams on October 4. Hurts was struck in the left calf by an opponent’s cleat but continued playing, taking part in all 61 of Philadelphia’s offensive snaps. The Eagles were preparing for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, and Hurts was still expected to play. The situation took a more concerning turn on October 10, after the Eagles had travelled to London. The announcement changed the outlook for Hurts’ season, with reports indicating that he is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 campaign. Backup Tanner McKee started against Carolina, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in a 25–14 defeat.
The Eagles have now lost four consecutive games, and Hurts’ absence adds another problem as they try to get their season back on track.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomed a review and maintained that its medical protocols had been followed. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has also said he trusts the team’s medical experts. The Eagles and his agent said his prognosis was very good and that they expected him to recover fully without long-term effects.
Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season after doctors diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots were found in both lungs. But how did things get to this point? The timeline has raised questions about the decision to clear Hurts to play in London after the initial blood clot was discovered. The NFL Players Association has called for a full investigation into the medical care he received, arguing that the facts must be established before conclusions are drawn about how the situation was handled. The NFL, however, has defended the process. For now, Hurts’ recovery is the priority. His treatment involves anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, which prevent clots from growing and help reduce the risk of further complications. However, Hurts cannot participate in contact activities, including football, while undergoing this treatment. He is expected to resume contact football activities when doctors determine he can safely stop taking the medication. That leaves Philadelphia facing a major challenge without its franchise quarterback. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.