Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-19**Lead**
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs, the team announced Tuesday. The diagnosis, described as multiple pulmonary embolisms, came to light after Hurts complained of shortness of breath and chest discomfort following the Eagles' Week 7 victory over the New York Giants. Team physicians immediately placed him on blood-thinning medication and ruled out any football activity for the rest of the season to prevent life-threatening complications.
**Context**
Hurts, 28, has been the cornerstone of the Eagles' offense since taking over as starter in 2020, leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. The 2026 campaign was shaping up to be another strong year for the dual-threat quarterback, who had guided Philadelphia to a 5-2 record through seven weeks. The sudden health scare marks a stark turn for a player known for his durability and toughness.
Blood clots in the lungs, known medically as pulmonary embolisms, are a rare but serious condition in athletes. In the NFL, similar cases have occurred, most notably with former New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty's twin brother Jason McCourty (who missed time in 2019 with a blood clot issue) and former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson, whose career was cut short by clotting complications. The standard treatment involves anticoagulant therapy for three to six months, during which contact sports are strictly prohibited due to the risk of internal bleeding from even minor blows. The Eagles medical staff, in consultation with vascular specialists, determined that clearing Hurts to play this season would be medically irresponsible.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media on Tuesday, saying, "Our primary concern is Jalen's long-term health. This is bigger than football. We're grateful that the condition was caught early, and we will support him through every step of his recovery." The team has placed Hurts on the non-football illness list, opening a roster spot for an additional player. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, acquired in the offseason from the Pittsburgh Steelers, is expected to take over the starting role for the remainder of the season. Rookie Tanner McKee will serve as the No. 2 quarterback.
**Analysis**
The loss of Hurts is a seismic blow to the Eagles' Super Bowl aspirations. Philadelphia entered the 2026 season as one of the NFC favorites, boasting a deep roster and an elite offensive line. Hurts' unique ability to extend plays with his legs and his command of the offense were central to the team's identity. With Pickett under center, the Eagles will likely adjust their game plan to emphasize a more traditional pocket-passing attack, relying heavily on running backs Saquon Barkley and D'Andre Swift, as well as a talented wide receiver corps led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, the offense's ceiling is undoubtedly lowered without Hurts' explosiveness.
The long-term outlook for Hurts is cautiously optimistic. Pulmonary embolisms in otherwise healthy young athletes typically resolve completely with proper medical management, and most patients can return to full activity after the blood thinners are discontinued and follow-up scans confirm the clots have dissolved. The Eagles have not commented on a timeline for his return, but league sources indicate that Hurts is expected to be fully cleared for training camp in 2027, assuming no complications or recurrence. The team will need to evaluate whether to bring in an additional veteran quarterback in free agency or ride out the season with Pickett and McKee, a decision that could hinge on how the team performs over the next few weeks.
Beyond the football field, the news has reignited discussions about the hidden health risks professional athletes face. The NFL has increased its awareness of vascular issues in recent years, requiring more comprehensive cardiac screenings and educating players about symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg swelling that can signal deep vein thrombosis—the most common source of pulmonary emboli. Hurts' case may prompt further scrutiny of training regimens and travel schedules that can contribute to blood clot formation.
**Sources**
This report is based on information provided by the Philadelphia Eagles official team statement, statements from head coach Nick Sirianni, and confirmation from multiple NFL insiders including ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Additional medical context was sourced from the American Heart Association and published studies on pulmonary embolism in athletes. No direct quotes from Jalen Hurts or his representatives have been released at this time.