One of the NFL's biggest stars is out for the season, and the reason has sent millions of people searching for medical answers. Jalen Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs, and his team says he is stable with an expected full recovery. This guide explains the timeline, the medicine in simple terms and the symptoms that everyone should recognize.
What Happened to Jalen Hurts?
On Monday, October 19, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts's agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed that the star quarterback has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, which means blood clots have formed in a deep vein and have also traveled to both lungs. Media reports said he is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season. The 28-year-old, a former Super Bowl MVP, has been placed on injured reserve.
The news came as a shock to fans, partly because it unfolded over several days. The Eagles had announced the previous Thursday that Hurts had a superficial blood clot in his calf. After further testing and monitoring, the diagnosis was upgraded. A joint statement from the team and his agent said he was initially diagnosed by specialists in London with a superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf, and that the current diagnosis is DVT together with bilateral pulmonary emboli.
That is why searches for "Jalen Hurts pulmonary embolism" have climbed so rapidly. People want to understand what the diagnosis means, how serious it is and whether he will play again.
The Timeline: From London to Injured Reserve
- October 11: The Eagles played the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and lost 19-17. According to reports, Hurts had an ultrasound in London before the game that showed a clot in his calf, and he was evaluated at a hospital until early that morning. He played in the game.
- Around October 15: The team announced that Hurts had a superficial blood clot in his calf and that medical experts were evaluating him.
- Weekend of October 17-18: He was placed on injured reserve while further testing continued.
- October 19: The Eagles and his agent announced the DVT and bilateral pulmonary emboli diagnosis. Hurts was described as clinically stable.
The Eagles are 2-4 this season and have been dealing with injuries to several star players, so the loss of their quarterback adds another major hurdle to a difficult year.
“ A clot in the leg can look minor. When it travels, it becomes an emergency. — The Empire Insight Editorial Board
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. Most of the time, the clot starts in a deep vein in the leg or pelvis, which is called deep vein thrombosis. A piece breaks loose, travels through the heart and lodges in the lungs. A "bilateral" embolism means that arteries in both lungs are affected.
The severity can range widely. Small clots may cause mild symptoms, while a large clot can cut off blood flow so severely that it becomes life-threatening. Doctors treat the condition seriously in every case because the situation can change quickly.
Warning Signs Everyone Should Know
Hurts's own account makes this subject especially important. In a statement to TMZ, he said that a pulmonary embolism suddenly killed his father, that it began with a clot in the leg that broke off and went to the lung, and that the only warning in hindsight was a complaint of mild leg pain the night before. He described the situation as extremely serious. His message is a reminder that a small symptom can matter.
The following symptoms are widely listed by medical organizations.
Signs of a clot in the leg (DVT)
- Swelling in one leg, usually the calf or thigh
- Pain or tenderness that may feel like a cramp or soreness
- Warmth or red or discolored skin over the area
Signs of a pulmonary embolism
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that gets worse with a deep breath or cough
- A rapid heartbeat, dizziness or fainting
- Coughing, sometimes with blood
If you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, seek emergency care immediately. For leg swelling or pain that does not make sense, contact a doctor promptly.
What Raises the Risk of Blood Clots?
Doctors describe several common risk factors for DVT and pulmonary embolism. They include long periods of immobility, such as extended travel by plane, car or train, recent surgery or injury, certain hormone treatments, cancer, pregnancy, smoking, obesity, dehydration and inherited clotting conditions. Athletes are not immune. Intense physical activity combined with long travel, an injury or a genetic tendency can sometimes play a role.
It is important not to over-interpret one case. The Eagles and Hurts's representatives have not publicly attributed the clot to any single cause, and outsiders should not guess. What reporting does show is that the issue was identified in connection with the team's trip to London and was monitored carefully afterward.
Treatment and Recovery: What the Statement Says
According to the joint statement, Hurts is clinically stable, and his treatment should involve only blood thinners, also called anticoagulants. These medicines do not dissolve an existing clot directly. Instead, they stop it from growing and help prevent new ones while the body breaks the clot down naturally over time.
The statement said his prognosis is very good and that a full recovery is expected, with no long-term effects anticipated. It also said he should have the opportunity to resume contact football activities once he is off blood thinners. Because those medicines raise the risk of serious bleeding after a hard hit or collision, they rule out contact sports while a player is taking them.
A University of Michigan specialist who has not treated Hurts told reporters that patients with DVT and pulmonary embolism typically need at least three months of anticoagulation before they are reassessed. That is a general medical guideline and not an official timeline for Hurts, since the team has not announced a return date and individual cases differ. For the same reason, the focus for the rest of 2026 will be on recovery and on the question of when he can safely come off treatment.
What It Means for the Eagles
The football consequences are large. Hurts led Philadelphia to the Super Bowl title in February 2025, throwing two touchdowns and running for another against the Kansas City Chiefs to win the game's MVP award. He is the center of the offense, both as a passer and as a runner. With the team at 2-4 and facing injuries elsewhere, losing him for the season reduces the chance of a playoff run in the NFC East, a division where several teams have struggled early.
The front office will have to decide how to use the rest of the schedule. Options usually include giving a backup a chance to start, adding a veteran quarterback or evaluating younger players for the future. No official announcement of a roster move had been confirmed at the time of writing, so readers should check the team's website for updates.
A Reminder About Staying Safe
Hurts's story has already prompted many people to talk about blood clots, which medical groups say are underdiagnosed. A few simple habits can lower risk for everyday travelers and desk workers.
- Move regularly. On long trips, stand, stretch or walk every hour or two when possible.
- Stay hydrated. Drink enough water and limit alcohol on long flights.
- Know your history. Tell your doctor if clots run in your family or if you have had one before.
- Do not ignore one-sided leg pain or swelling. Get it checked, especially after surgery, injury or travel.
- Follow your doctor's advice on medication. Blood thinners should never be started, stopped or changed without medical guidance.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you think you may have a blood clot, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services.
The Bottom Line
Jalen Hurts's diagnosis is serious, but the early reports are encouraging: he is stable, treatment involves blood thinners, and his team expects a full recovery. The 2026 season is over for him, and his health now comes first. For everyone else, his story is a powerful reminder that a clot in the leg should be taken seriously, and that early treatment saves lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jalen Hurts's diagnosis?
The Eagles and his agent said he has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots in a leg vein and in arteries of both lungs.
Is Jalen Hurts out for the season?
Yes. Media reports said he is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, and he has been placed on injured reserve.
Will Jalen Hurts play football again?
The team and his agent said they expect a full recovery with no long-term effects, and that he should be able to resume contact football activities once he is off blood thinners.
How long does it take to recover from a pulmonary embolism?
It varies by person. Specialists say patients typically need at least three months of blood thinners before being reassessed, but this is a general guideline and not a prediction for any individual.
What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?
Common symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with breathing, a rapid heartbeat, coughing and lightheadedness. Anyone with these symptoms should seek emergency care.
Key Takeaways • Jalen Hurts Pulmonary Embolism
Jalen Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots in a leg vein and in arteries of both lungs, and is expected to miss the 2026 season.
The Eagles and his agent said he is clinically stable, that treatment should involve only blood thinners and that they expect a full recovery.
He should be able to return to contact football once he is off blood thinners, but no return date has been announced.
Warning signs include one-sided leg swelling or pain, sudden shortness of breath and chest pain that worsens with breathing.
Anyone with sudden breathing trouble or chest pain should seek emergency care.
A clot in the leg should always be taken seriously.
Hurts Health Update at a Glance
Based on team and agent statements, October 2026Bottom Line: “Early diagnosis and treatment are what turn a scary headline into a recovery story.”