Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts treated for blood clots in leg and both lungs

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with blood clots in his left leg and in both lungs and is expected to miss the rest of the season, according to a commentary republished by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

The piece, written by University of Florida medicine professor Ali Ataya and originally published by The Conversation, said the 28-year-old was struck in the left calf by a cleat during an Oct. 4, 2026, game against the Los Angeles Rams. After the team then flew to London, an ultrasound found a superficial vein thrombosis, a clot in a vein close to the skin. Hurts played that Sunday.

A later ultrasound showed the clot had extended into a deeper vein, leading to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. By Oct. 19, Hurts had been diagnosed with a bilateral pulmonary embolism, meaning clots had reached both lungs, the commentary said.

Hurts began taking blood thinners. A statement from the team and his agent described his prognosis as very good, the Capital-Star piece reported, and Ataya wrote that the quarterback will most likely recover over the coming months.

Ataya, a specialist in pulmonary vascular disease, wrote that the calf injury, long periods of sitting on flights to and from London, and inflammation and dehydration may all have played a role. He cited estimates that up to 900,000 people in the United States are affected by such clots each year and that 60,000 to 100,000 die from them annually.

The commentary noted that Florida passed a 2025 law requiring hospitals to assess patients for clot risk, and that Oklahoma passed a similar measure in 2026, while Mississippi has proposed one. Ataya urged travelers to take movement breaks, stay hydrated and watch for calf swelling, tenderness or redness.

Hurts' diagnosis has also drawn a response from young fans. CBS Philadelphia reported that 11-year-old Caleb Quick, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 and developed life-threatening blood clots days later, posted an encouraging message to Hurts, his favorite player, on social media.

"Because I know what it felt like to have blood clots, and I want him to know he can make it through," Caleb told CBS Philadelphia.

According to the station, Caleb was briefly unable to walk after his diagnosis and has now been free of cancer and blood clots for four years. His mother, Naomi Quick, told CBS Philadelphia the family's longtime habit of watching the Eagles together has helped them through difficult periods.

Compiled by True News from reporting by Pennsylvania Capital-Star and CBS Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/573