The Philadelphia Eagles will be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for at least four games after the team announced he is being placed on injured reserve because of a blood clot.
The announcement comes as the Eagles look to snap a three-game losing streak, with backup quarterback Tanner McKee now expected to lead the offense against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The team said the blood clot was first discovered during an ultrasound in London ahead of last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hurts was cleared to play, but a follow-up scan after the game showed movement in the clot, prompting the team to prioritize his health and safety.
Hurts will miss at least four games, though his absence could be longer.
Dr. William Shutze, a Texas-based vascular surgeon with decades of experience, told NBC10 that the team’s cautious approach is encouraging.
“I’m glad to hear they’re taking the cautious approach, valuing Mr. Hurts’ health over other factors that I’m sure are being considered,” Shutze said.
Shutze said Hurts is likely being treated with blood thinners and that his medical team will closely monitor his condition over the next several weeks.
“Time will tell to see how his clot responds to treatment, how his body responds to it, and the decisions that his medical team will make,” Shutze said.
For Eagles fans across Philadelphia, the news is disappointing, but many say Hurts’ recovery matters more than what happens on the field.
“The most important thing is health at this point and I hope he gets better,” South Philadelphia resident Tommy Bradley said.
Others are embracing the team’s familiar next-man-up mentality as McKee prepares to take over at quarterback.
“It is what it is… next man up right? That’s the way we’ve always been,” South Philadelphia resident Brian Gifford said.
McKee faces the challenge of leading an Eagles offense that has struggled during the team’s three-game losing streak.
Still, some fans remain optimistic about the team’s chances while Hurts recovers.
“Everyone in the division stinks except us, so once Tanner McKee wins a couple games because were playing bad teams, then Jalen can come back and we can win the Super Bowl,” Bradley said.
The Eagles host the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Oct. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.