Jalen Hurts “Out Indefinitely” With Blood Clot

Eagles Injuries Continue

The Philadelphia Eagles will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, and they may also be missing their top running back and top wide receiver.

Hurts has been ruled out because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that Hurts cannot play football until the situation is resolved and is “out indefinitely.” Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith, both dealing with hamstring injuries, have not practiced this week. Backup Tanner McKee will start in Hurts’ place as the Eagles try to snap a three-game losing streak.

“Jalen Hurts is out for Sunday due to a superficial blood clot..

He can’t play football until this situation is solved and he’s out indefinitely” ~ @RapSheet

We’re thinking about Jalen Hurts and everybody with the Philadelphia Eagles #PMSLive https://t.co/MneHZxFtEx

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 15, 2026

How the Hurts situation developed

According to a team statement, Hurts went to the training room after practice on Thursday, Oct. 8, to get treatment for his calf. He told the medical staff he had been cleated in the leg during the Oct. 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

An ultrasound after the team arrived in London revealed a superficial blood clot. Team doctors determined he could safely play and recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the flight home. Hurts played without limitation in Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, received treatment Monday and Tuesday, and practiced fully on Wednesday.

A follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night showed movement in the clot. That led the team to rule him out for Carolina while it decides on a course of treatment. The Eagles said they are in communication with the league office. There is no timetable for his return.

Barkley and Smith still not practicing

Barkley missed the open portion of practice for the second straight day Thursday, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. He hurt his hamstring early in the Week 4 loss to the Rams, leaving after four snaps, and sat out the game in London. Earlier this week, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Barkley had a chance to return against Carolina, but two missed practices make that look less likely.

The 29-year-old has run 36 times for 182 yards in four games this season, an average of 5.1 yards per carry, without a touchdown.

Smith also did not practice Thursday. He was at warmups but was not in uniform and did not wear a helmet. He hurt his hamstring in the Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears and has missed the last two games. The 27-year-old caught 19 of 27 targets for 235 yards and a touchdown in his three games before the injury.

A depleted offense

If Barkley sits, Dameon Pierce is in line to lead the backfield. Will Shipley is expected to miss several weeks with a partial tear of his plantar fascia, and Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve after core muscle surgery. Pierce struggled in London, gaining 14 yards on 11 carries as the Eagles ran for just 22 yards as a team.

At receiver, Dontayvion Wicks returned to practice this week after dealing with a hamstring injury, and he and Makai Lemon are projected to start if Smith cannot go. Darius Cooper is also in the mix after his 62-yard touchdown against Jacksonville. Tight end Dallas Goedert, back from a knee injury, could be one of McKee’s most reliable targets.

The Eagles are 2-3 and host the Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Fantasy outlook

Jalen Hurts fantasy managers should hold him given the uncertainty of his timeline, but they will need a replacement for Week 6. McKee is a low-end option only in two-quarterback and superflex leagues.

Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith fantasy managers should watch Friday’s injury report closely. Both are must-starts when healthy, but even if they play, a McKee-led offense lowers their ceilings. If Barkley is out, Pierce becomes a volume-based flex option in deeper leagues. If Smith sits, Wicks and Lemon are deep-league fliers at best.