Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, according to a joint statement released by the team and his agent, Nicole Lynn. The diagnosis includes blood clots in both lungs. The statement said Hurts is clinically stable, has no significant functional limitations and is expected to make a full recovery.
The statement described a progression in the medical findings. Specialists in London first diagnosed a superficial vein thrombosis in Hurts’ left calf. Further testing and monitoring led to the current diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
The statement said treatment is expected to consist of anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners. Hurts will not be permitted to take part in contact activities, including football, while receiving treatment. It also said he could resume contact football once he is no longer taking the medication, and expressed the expectation that he will have no long-term effects.
NFL reporters, including Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, have reported that Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Eagles’ and Lynn’s statement did not itself say that he was out for the year. Rapoport reported that the treatment process would take at least three months, a timeline that would prevent Hurts from returning this season.
The developments followed an earlier finding of a clot in Hurts’ leg ahead of Philadelphia’s Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The Eagles and medical personnel determined he could play, and Hurts started in a 19-17 loss. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero reported that the initial clot was superficial and that doctors had advised Hurts not to sleep. He reportedly remained awake for about 36 hours before playing.
Hurts practiced with the Eagles during the following week. A subsequent ultrasound showed movement in the small clot, according to the source report, and he was ruled out of Philadelphia’s road loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The report does not provide a return date or additional details about his medical care.
The team’s statement offered a favorable outlook but did not give a specific timetable for Hurts’ return to football beyond saying contact activity would be possible after he finishes blood-thinner treatment. The expected season-ending absence is attributed to NFL reporters, rather than stated as a definitive decision in the joint announcement.
