The Eagles’ rough stretch just got a lot more complicated.
Philadelphia is already sitting at 2-3 after three straight losses, and now it has to move forward without Jalen Hurts in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday that Hurts is out because of a superficial blood clot in his calf, a development that turns a bad situation into a much bigger concern.
“Breaking: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is out for Sunday due to a superficial blood clot,” Rapoport reported Thursday.
The Eagles later laid out how the issue surfaced and why it became serious enough to sideline him. In their statement, the team said Hurts went into the training room on Thursday, October 8th, after practice and asked for treatment on his calf.
He told the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. The Eagles added that this was his first treatment session for the calf injury after that game, even though he had practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday.
They said that on Friday he received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.
Hurts’ name on the injury report drew attention, especially because he had practiced all week. He also didn’t do much running against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, which now appears to fit into the larger picture around the calf issue.
The Eagles said an ultrasound before the Jaguars game showed enough comfort for Hurts to play, but the situation changed Wednesday night.
“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,” the Eagles stated.
That leaves Philadelphia turning to Tanner McKee as the starting quarterback while Hurts is out. The timeline is unclear, and the Eagles, Hurts and doctors will determine the next steps as they try to address the blood clot in his calf.
For a team already sliding in the wrong direction, losing its starting quarterback only adds to the chaos.
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