The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed Thursday that Jalen Hurts will be out for the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers after the discovery of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The team said Hurts will miss the game while medical staff determine the appropriate course of treatment.
How the injury unfolded
The Eagles’ statement said Hurts first sought treatment on October 8 after practice for a calf issue he traced to being cleated during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. A follow-up exam after the team’s arrival in London revealed a small blood clot and subsequent movement in that clot, prompting the organization to hold Hurts out of Sunday’s matchup while doctors evaluate treatment options.
The Eagles said Hurts will be out for at least one game; there is no indication whether he will miss more than one, which will depend on how his treatment progresses.
Depth chart change and immediate impact
With Hurts unavailable, backup Tanner McKee will start for the Eagles for as long as Hurts is out. The team’s roster situation had recently changed; the Eagles had a more experienced backup on the roster before a late move created a roster crunch and that player is no longer with the team.
The decision to turn to McKee comes amid a condensed timeline and the logistical challenge of an international trip. The Eagles have moved to keep Hurts out while clinicians determine next steps, and the club’s handling of the situation will dictate how long McKee remains the starter.
The club’s immediate priority is medical management and player safety; beyond that, the team will adjust its game plan and personnel around Tanner McKee while Hurts is held out as doctors determine the appropriate course of treatment.
