Eagles Rule Out Jalen Hurts vs. Panthers After Blood Clot Found in Leg
The Eagles say a superficial blood clot discovered in London moved in a follow-up ultrasound, so Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday's game against Carolina.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday's home game against the Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his leg, the team announced Thursday. The news came after a week of questions about a calf injury that appeared on the injury report with little explanation.
Key facts
- The Eagles ruled out QB Jalen Hurts for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
- The team says a superficial blood clot was found in his leg.
- A Wednesday-night ultrasound showed movement in the small clot.
- The sources do not say who will start at quarterback.
What the Eagles say happened
According to the team's statement, Hurts went to the training room on Thursday, Oct. 8, asking for treatment on his calf. He told medical staff he had been cleated in the Rams game on Oct. 4. It was his first treatment for the injury since that game, and he had practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday.
He was treated again Friday, practiced in full and was added to the practice report with a calf injury. He carried no game designation for the trip to London.
Out of what the team called an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was done Saturday after the flight to London and a walkthrough. It revealed a superficial blood clot. Team doctors and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play. They recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight.
Hurts played without limitation against the Jaguars, was treated Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full Wednesday. The follow-up ultrasound that night showed movement in the small clot. The team says he is out Sunday "as we determine the appropriate course of treatment," and that his health and safety are its highest priority. The Eagles also said they stayed in contact with the league office throughout.
Who starts at quarterback?
The source material does not name a starter or a backup plan for Sunday. The Eagles' statement only confirms that Hurts will not play. Until the team or head coach says otherwise, who takes the snaps remains unconfirmed here.
Why the injury raised questions
Before the announcement, NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk noted the oddity of the injury report. Hurts was a full participant in practice but was listed with a calf injury. On Wednesday he described the situation as "a very unique experience, to say the least" and said he did not want to get into the details.
The NFL requires only bare-bones injury report information. The full account came with Thursday's statement.
What happens next
Sunday's game against the Panthers is set for 1:00 PM on Oct. 18, according to the Eagles' website. The team has not said how long Hurts could be out beyond this game, or what treatment he will receive. Watch the next injury report and any update from the team for his status heading into the following week.
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Quick answers
Is Jalen Hurts playing Sunday?
No. The Eagles ruled him out of the game against the Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his leg.
How did Hurts get the injury?
The team says he told staff he was cleated in the Rams game on Oct. 4. The clot was found in an ultrasound on the Saturday before the London game.
Did he play with the clot?
Yes. The team says doctors concluded he could safely play, and he played without limitation against the Jaguars in London.
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