Jalen Hurts barred from contact football after blood clots found in lungs

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts cannot take part in contact football while receiving blood-thinning treatment after tests identified deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs. The Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, announced the updated diagnosis on Monday, October 19, following further specialist examinations and monitoring over recent days.

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Their joint statement described Hurts as clinically stable, with no significant restrictions on his functioning. They expect him to recover fully without lasting effects and anticipate that he can resume contact football once he stops taking blood thinners. He will continue conditioning and remain involved with the team during treatment. The statement did not set a date for his return.

The latest findings follow an initial diagnosis of a superficial clot in his left calf. In an earlier statement published on October 15, Philadelphia said Hurts sought treatment on October 8 after reporting that he had been cleated during the October 4 game against the Rams. He had continued practising fully before an ultrasound in London detected the superficial clot.

According to that earlier team account, Eagles medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the scan and determined that Hurts could safely play against Jacksonville. They recommended another ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight. A subsequent Wednesday-night examination showed movement in the clot, prompting Philadelphia to rule him out against Carolina while it assessed treatment options.

Tanner McKee took over against the Panthers, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in a 25-14 defeat, The Guardian reported. Philadelphia fell to 2-4, extending its losing run to four games. The newspaper also reported that Hurts had thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season before his absence.

The Guardian described Hurts' absence as season-ending, but Monday's joint statement tied a potential return to the completion of blood-thinning treatment rather than a specific timetable. Philadelphia had already placed him on injured reserve on October 17. For now, the confirmed restriction is that he cannot participate in contact activities while undergoing that treatment.