The Philadelphia Eagles will be without their starting quarterback this Sunday. Jalen Hurts has been officially ruled out for the Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot, the team announced.
Hurts practiced in full on Wednesday without any limitations, but a follow-up ultrasound that night revealed movement in the small clot, prompting the medical staff to sideline him as a precaution. The initial diagnosis came last Saturday, just before the Eagles' London trip, and the team had been monitoring the situation closely.
In a detailed statement, the Eagles explained that Hurts first reported calf discomfort on Thursday, October 8th, after being cleated during the Rams game. He received treatment and practiced fully on Friday. An ultrasound performed Saturday, following the team's flight to London, revealed the superficial clot. Doctors in London cleared him to play, recommending a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours.
Hurts played without limitation in the London game, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced fully on Wednesday. The follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday night showed movement in the clot, leading to the decision to hold him out.
“His health and safety are our highest priority,” the team stated. With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles are expected to turn to Tanner McKee, the 188th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. McKee has completed 54-of-88 career pass attempts for 597 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception. The Eagles are 1-1 in his two starts.
McKee will face a Panthers defense that has struggled this season, but the Eagles are shorthanded in other areas as well. The team's offensive line has been a concern, and there's been roster confusion surrounding Lane Johnson after he was left off the inactive list. The Eagles' recent performance in London was marred by growing fan frustration with head coach Nick Sirianni, and the team is looking to bounce back.
Meanwhile, the NFL is considering a possible schedule change for the Eagles-Commanders game, which could be moved from its Sunday night slot. That game now takes on added significance as the Eagles navigate Hurts' absence.
For now, the focus is on Sunday's game against the Panthers. McKee will get his third career start, and the Eagles will need a strong performance from their defense and running game to support him. The team has not indicated how long Hurts will be out, but the priority is clearly his long-term health.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as the Eagles determine the appropriate course of treatment for Hurts.
