Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out against the Carolina Panthers on October 18 after a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a superficial blood clot in his calf.
The diagnosis raises concerns about his health and availability, but an important distinction matters: a superficial blood clot is generally less dangerous than a clot in a deep vein. The Eagles have not announced a firm return date as doctors determine the appropriate treatment.
What happened to Jalen Hurts?
According to the Eagles’ statement, published by NFL.com, Hurts first sought treatment for his calf on October 8. He told medical staff he had been struck by a cleat during Philadelphia’s October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
An ultrasound performed in London on the Saturday before the Jacksonville Jaguars game revealed a superficial blood clot. The Eagles’ medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the findings and determined that Hurts could safely play. They also recommended a follow-up ultrasound after the game and return flight.
Hurts played against Jacksonville and subsequently practiced in full on Wednesday. However, an ultrasound that night showed movement in the small clot, leading the Eagles to rule him out against Carolina while evaluating treatment options.
The team’s account establishes the sequence of events, but it does not conclusively establish what caused the clot.
What is a superficial blood clot?
A superficial blood clot forms in a vein close to the skin’s surface. Often called superficial vein thrombosis, it can cause localized pain, redness, warmth and swelling.
It differs from deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which involves veins deeper inside the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, superficial clots are typically less dangerous than DVT, although complications can occur.
“Superficial” describes the clot’s location. It does not mean that changes in the condition can be ignored.
Why can a blood clot be dangerous?
The concern is that a superficial clot can sometimes extend into the deeper veins. A deep-vein clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, where it may block blood flow.
This is called a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains that symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain with deep breathing, rapid breathing and an elevated heart rate.
The Eagles’ statement does not report that Hurts has DVT or a pulmonary embolism. The reported finding is a superficial calf clot that showed movement on follow-up imaging. The available information does not establish that it reached a deep vein or his lungs.
How could treatment affect Hurts’ return?
Treatment depends on the clot’s location, extent and risk of progression. Some superficial clots are managed with measures to reduce pain and swelling, while certain cases require anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners.
If Hurts needs anticoagulants, that would introduce an additional concern for football: increased bleeding risk following tackles or other impacts. Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding contact sports while taking blood thinners.
The Eagles have not confirmed that Hurts is taking those medications.
When will Jalen Hurts play again?
As of October 15, Hurts is confirmed out for the Panthers game, with no firm timetable for his return. Tanner McKee is expected to replace him at quarterback, according to NFL.com.
His availability beyond Sunday will depend on follow-up evaluations, the treatment selected and medical clearance. General recovery estimates for superficial clots should not be treated as a prediction of when Hurts will return to NFL action.