Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, faces a significant setback in his 2026 season after being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot. This development led the team to place him on injured reserve on Saturday, meaning he will miss at least four games.

Initially cleared to play in the Eagles' Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hurts underwent a follow-up ultrasound, which revealed movement in the clot. The Eagles decided to take precautionary measures after consulting with medical professionals, prioritizing Hurts' health over immediate play.

Dr. Henry Han, a board-certified cardiologist, provided insights into Hurts' condition:

• A superficial blood clot, or superficial vein thrombosis, typically occurs in veins just beneath the skin, often in the legs or arms.
• Unlike deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which poses serious risks and has affected other athletes like Victor Wembanyama, superficial clots are generally less dangerous.

The cause of Hurts' clot remains uncertain, though trauma to his calf during the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams might have contributed. Treatment usually involves conservative approaches like anti-inflammatory medications and elevation of the leg.

The timeline for Hurts' return hinges on whether he requires blood thinners and the nature of the clot. Dr. Han indicated that if complications arise, recovery could extend significantly. As of now, Hurts' situation will be closely monitored, with a potential return being evaluated based on his response to treatment.