Jalen Hurts Not Placed on Injured Reserve Despite Blood Clot
Eagles quarterback's return timeline remains uncertain as team avoids mandatory four-game absence.
The Philadelphia Eagles are not planning to place quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve, despite a superficial blood clot discovered in his leg. This decision allows for the possibility of Hurts returning to play before the mandatory four-game absence associated with an IR stint.
The Eagles are actively gathering more information regarding Hurts' condition and exploring potential treatment options, but no definitive timeline has been set for his return to the field. The team confirmed earlier this week that Hurts had been managing the blood clot in his calf since sustaining an injury on October 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.
This injury was noted on the previous Friday's injury report, though Hurts was listed as a full participant in practice that day. "It was a very unique experience, to say the least," Hurts stated on Wednesday. "I don’t want to get into the details of kind of leading up to the game and whatnot, but got nicked up in the Rams game."
Philadelphia currently holds a 2-3 record and is seeking to break a three-game losing streak in their upcoming Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Third-year player Tanner McKee, who has appeared in six games with five touchdowns and one interception over his first two seasons, is expected to start at quarterback in Hurts' absence.
Hurts' injury adds to a series of challenges for the Eagles early in the 2026 season. Star tackle Lane Johnson unexpectedly retired earlier this month, and the team subsequently traded lineman Cam Jurgens. Key offensive players Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith have also missed time due to injuries.