Update: October 20 - NFLPA asks for investigation
The NFL Players Association called Tuesday night for a full investigation into the medical care Jalen Hurts received. The union said it was unaware of any NFL investigation and that the league had previously told it there were no plans to review his care, ESPN reported.
Earlier Tuesday, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills defended the Eagles' handling of the case at the owners' meetings. NFL.com reported his assessment that the care had been conservative and focused on the patient. League officials said they had remained in contact with the Eagles and Cleveland Clinic London.
ESPN separately reported that the Eagles would not face league punishment over the decision to clear Hurts for the October 11 game in London. The union's later demand for an investigation remains a separate development; the league's position does not establish that an independent review is complete. These statements set no return date for Hurts.
October 19 diagnosis update
The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn said Monday that further testing established deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. They described Hurts as clinically stable and said he cannot take part in contact football while receiving anticoagulation treatment. They expect a full recovery but gave no return date. Philadelphia had already placed him on injured reserve October 17.
Earlier reporting: October 15-17
Update: October 17, 4:16 p.m. Eastern
The Eagles have officially placed Jalen Hurts on injured reserve. The team used the open roster spot to promote running back Jaydon Blue from its practice squad. Blue, a Dallas fifth-round pick in 2025, joined Philadelphia’s practice squad on September 1 and is positioned to make his Eagles debut Sunday. The club also elevated rookies Keyshawn James-Newby and Cole Wisniewski for the Carolina game.
The Eagles also ruled out four players who had been working toward returns from injured reserve: cornerback Jakorian Bennett, tight ends Grant Calcaterra and Eli Stowers, and guard Landon Dickerson. None was activated for Sunday’s game against Carolina.
The transaction confirms the move reported earlier Saturday afternoon. Hurts must miss at least four games, and Tanner McKee will start Sunday against Carolina. No return date has been set.
Earlier reporting: October 17, afternoon
Jalen Hurts is headed to injured reserve because of the superficial blood clot in his calf, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday afternoon. Philadelphia reached the decision after further consultations with doctors and specialists. No return date has been set.
The move would keep Hurts out for at least four games. That stretch includes Sunday’s home game against Carolina and the Eagles’ following three NFC East games against Dallas, Washington and the Giants. Philadelphia has its bye in Week 10.
Tanner McKee will start against the Panthers. The Eagles’ Saturday game preview had already confirmed that assignment after Hurts was ruled out Thursday. McKee now faces the possibility of a longer run with the offense.
How the diagnosis developed
The Eagles’ October 15 statement traced the problem to discomfort Hurts reported after being cleated during the October 4 game against the Rams. He first sought treatment on October 8 and continued practicing fully.
An ultrasound after the team arrived in London revealed the clot. The Eagles said their medical staff and doctors in London determined that Hurts could safely play against Jacksonville. He played that game, received treatment after returning and practiced Wednesday before another ultrasound showed that the clot had moved.
The team’s original statement:
Philadelphia then held Hurts out of the Carolina game while doctors considered treatment. Saturday morning’s reporting said the Eagles did not plan to use injured reserve. The later report reflects a changed decision following additional medical consultations. His medical team will determine when he can return.
McKee takes over
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro discussed the original diagnosis and McKee’s assignment Thursday, before Saturday’s injured-reserve decision. Their discussion begins with the team’s timeline and turns to the backup quarterback at 7:25:
Philadelphia also signed Joe Milton from the Cowboys’ practice squad Friday. The third-year quarterback joins McKee and rookie Cole Payton as the Eagles adjust their depth behind Hurts. Milton spent last season with Dallas after beginning his career in New England.
The Eagles host Carolina at 1 p.m. Eastern Sunday. Their next game is against the Cowboys, making the quarterback change relevant to a division race in which Philadelphia has started 2-3.
Earlier reporting: October 15
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The club issued the ruling Thursday afternoon after a Wednesday night follow-up ultrasound, and Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Adam Schefter all carried the team statement within minutes.
