The Philadelphia Eagles have been dealt another major blow, as quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. More concerning for Philadelphia, the team has not provided a timetable for Hurts’ return, leaving open the possibility that he could miss more than one game.
The development comes just days after Hurts played through the issue in Philadelphia’s Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The Eagles are now preparing to move forward without their starting quarterback while determining the appropriate course of treatment.
Jalen Hurts will miss at least one game
According to the Eagles, Hurts initially experienced discomfort in his calf after being cleated during the team’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4. He practiced fully the following week before an ultrasound conducted after the team arrived in London revealed a superficial blood clot.
Philadelphia’s medical staff and doctors in London determined that Hurts could safely play against Jacksonville, and he played without limitations. Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles’ 19-17 loss.
However, a follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday night revealed movement in the small blood clot. That prompted the Eagles to rule Hurts out for Sunday’s game against Carolina as the team determines the appropriate next steps. Philadelphia emphasized that Hurts’ health and safety are its highest priority.
The Eagles have not announced how long Hurts could be sidelined.
Eagles turn to Tanner McKee
With Hurts unavailable, Tanner McKee is expected to make his first start of the 2026 season. The 26-year-old quarterback has not appeared in a game this season but has previous NFL experience with Philadelphia, throwing for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception across six career games, including two starts.
The timing could hardly be worse for Philadelphia. The Eagles enter Week 6 at 2-3 and have lost three consecutive games. The team is also dealing with several other significant roster issues, including injuries to running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, while longtime offensive tackle Lane Johnson recently retired.
Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions through five games this season. His absence therefore represents a significant challenge for an Eagles offense that already needs to find a way to turn its season around.
For now, McKee will get the opportunity to lead Philadelphia against Carolina. But until the Eagles provide more information on Hurts’ condition, there is legitimate uncertainty surrounding when the star quarterback will be able to return.
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