The Philadelphia Eagles are placing quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out this week with a superficial blood clot, on injured reserve, the team officially announced on Saturday, after consultations with numerous doctors and experts. Going on IR sidelines a player for at least four weeks, meaning Hurts will miss this weekend's game, as the team previously announced, along with three divisional games.
He will miss matchups against the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants. Hurts will be eligible to return against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 22, but that doesn't mean he is guaranteed to be back then.
With Hurts out, Tanner McKee will be leading the offense, and rookie Cole Payton will be the backup.
The Eagles released a statement saying Hurts requested treatment on his calf four days after their Week 4 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles performed an ultrasound on his leg after they landed in London for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and found the superficial blood clot.
The team's medical staff determined he could play, and the team conducted a follow-up ultrasound where they found the blood clot had moved, which can lead to a serious health situation.
When he can play will be determined by his medical team, meaning he could miss more than just four games. Hurts is still working on the best treatment plan for the situation and the team believes it is treatable. Hurts and the team are both still looking into more options and are putting the quarterback's health as top priority.
Blood thinners are a main treatment for blood clots and a player cannot play while on that medication. Typically, a patient would be on blood thinners for six weeks, but if the clot is minor, it may be treatable with other measures, such as anti-inflammatories.
If the clot worsens, it could mean more time on blood thinners, which would, in turn, mean more time away from the field.
The Eagles added some security in the quarterback position this week, signing Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.
