Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Eagles announced Monday that quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs and leg, ending his 2026 season. The condition was discovered after the team’s international game in London, where Hurts reported poor sleep and missed part of the pre‑game routine.
Team doctors confirmed the diagnosis on March 4, and Hurts will undergo anticoagulant treatment and close monitoring. No timeline for his return has been given, but the medical staff said a season‑ending prognosis is necessary to protect his health.
Hurts’ absence creates an immediate quarterback dilemma for Philadelphia. Sources told the New York Post the Eagles briefly considered bringing back veteran Andy Dalton, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 5, closing that option. The team has not yet named an interim starter. Options on the table include promoting second‑string Tyler Bass, signing a free‑agent veteran, or pursuing a trade before the deadline, each with salary‑cap implications.
The loss also raises financial concerns. Hurts, the league’s top‑rated quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, drives ticket sales, merchandise revenue and local broadcast ratings. A dip in on‑field performance could affect attendance and sponsor interest, especially as the Eagles’ fan base rallied around his recent success.
From a medical standpoint, pulmonary emboli and a deep‑vein clot are serious conditions that require careful management. The NFL has no league‑wide protocol for clot screening after travel or hospitalization, leaving each franchise to rely on its own medical staff. Hurts’ case may prompt the league to review its health‑monitoring guidelines, particularly as international travel and compressed schedules become more common.
For now, the Eagles’ priority is to install a quarterback who can run the playbook while the coaching staff evaluates longer‑term roster moves. The next public update is expected from the team’s medical staff within the week.
The situation underscores the broader issue of player health in the NFL and the need for consistent medical policies across the league.