Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is facing a potential recovery period of at least 45 days, and possibly up to three months, due to a superficial blood clot in his calf. Multiple medical professionals have weighed in on the diagnosis and possible treatment plans, noting that the use of blood thinners could significantly extend his absence from the field.

Dr. Jordan Schaefer, a hematologist at the University of Michigan Health System, explained that the treatment process involves close monitoring over time, with regular reassessments of the player's condition. "It's not like a one-time visit and then you're done. It's often reassessment in how you're feeling and a physical of how the leg looks. Is that swelling and redness and exam getting better?" Schaefer told USA TODAY Sports.

If Hurts is prescribed blood-thinning medications, his return to football, a contact sport, becomes more complex. These medications increase the risk of severe bleeding from traumatic injuries, including internal bleeding. The Eagles have stated that Hurts will miss the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers as they determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Dr. Ryan Schreiter, a clinical orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at Temple University, indicated that a typical timeline on oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) ranges from 45 days to three months to ensure the clot resolves. He suggested that Hurts' decision to seek medical attention implies the condition was significant.

"He was obviously symptomatic because he went in," Schreiter said on SportsRadio 94WIP. "I don’t know Jalen personally but it must be pretty bad if he’s going in and saying, ‘Hey this isn’t right.’ Because calf injuries happen all the time — strains, he gets hit. I think that cleat that he got, it was in the Rams game [Oct. 4], right… it could have injured oddly one of those superficial veins."

The Eagles reported that Hurts initially experienced calf discomfort on October 8, following being cleated during the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. A superficial blood clot was identified during an evaluation on Saturday before the Eagles' subsequent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The team stated that medical staff and doctors determined it was safe for Hurts to play in that game.

"Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play," the Eagles said in a statement. "Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia."

The team added that Hurts played without limitation in the game, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced fully on Wednesday. Communication with the league office regarding the matter has been ongoing. However, a follow-up examination on Wednesday revealed movement in the clot, prompting the team to reassess his status.

In the game against the Jaguars, Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in the 19-17 loss. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is expected to start in Hurts' absence.