IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Doctors are reacting to the shocking Jalen Hurts news.
On Thursday, the Eagles revealed that Hurts would sit out with a superficial blood clot in his leg. According to the Eagles, the team learned about the blood clot before the London game and allowed him to play against the Jaguars.
“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf. He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.
“Jalen played without limitation in the game Sunday, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full on Wednesday, as reflected in the practice report. Throughout our time in London and this week, we have remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter.
“On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. Jalen will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.”
Ex-NFL doctor David Chao, better known as Pro Football Doc, reacted the news of Hurts’ blood clot, and gave his medical opinion on the situation.
“It’s still said to be superficial. Deep vein thrombosis are what is difficult and dangerous. Superficial can progress to deep Right now they’re saying superficial. He’s clearly missing this game. The Eagles are taking every precaution, but here’s the issue.’
‘What caused it? Was it inactivity on the flight and the cleating and accidental and superficial, or is there now potentially a deeper issue? Does he need to be anticoagulated? If he needs blood thinners, he will be ruled out because of the risk of bleed, especially a hit to the head brain bleed. You can’t have that.’
“Until we figure out the cause of this, we won’t know the cure. But anytime a blood clot is involved, it easily could involve multiple weeks. Let’s hope it’s superficial, not deep. Let’s hope it’s not progressing. Let’s hope he doesn’t have to be on long-term anticoagulants, or it could have a huge impact.”
Jalen Hurts is OUT for Week 6 after a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Best case: precautionary one-week absence.
Expected: multiple weeks.If anticoagulation is required, the absence could extend much longer, potentially including the season.
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 15, 2026
Dr. Alina Mitina, Emergency Medicine Physician at Hackensack University Medicine also shared her thoughts on the matter.
Via JFMcMullen/X
“Superficial blood clots form near the skin’s surface and, while generally less dangerous than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), must be taken seriously. If a clot extends into deeper veins, it can cause severe complications, including traveling to the lungs. While many resolve with simple treatments like warm compresses and anti-inflammatories, the clot’s size and location determine whether blood thinners are necessary.
“Recent trauma and prolonged inactivity are major risk factors. Although we can’t definitively say the flight to London worsened his condition, combining long-distance air travel with a recent leg injury creates a high-risk environment for a clot to progress.”