Eagles news: Jalen Hurts likely out for the season, told not to sleep before London game; any QBs out there for the Birds?
Questions remain why Hurts was allowed to play in London. For now, it's Tanner McKee and the Birds taking on the Cowboys next week.
Jalen Hurts could possibly miss the rest of the season after blood clots were found in his lungs. Here is a complete timeline.
With Hurts likely out for the year, 2026 is a sunk cost for the Eagles. David Murphy outlines the Birds' options for how to proceed.
At this point, "everything's on the table" for the Eagles – including Sean Mannion's role.
The Eagles begin a slate of divisional games next week, when they take on the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. The NFL is considering flexing the Birds' Week 8 prime-time game against the Commanders.
Jalen Hurts likely out for the season after blood clots found in his lungs
Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely and could miss the remainder of the 2026 season, according to a statement released Monday morning by the Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn.
According to the statement, further medical testing revealed multiple blood clots in Hurts' lungs.
"He is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations," the statement read. "His treatment should only involve [blood thinners]. During this time, he will not be allowed to participate in any contact activities, including football.
Watch: Nick Sirianni reacts after Jalen Hurts news
Are there any quarterbacks out there who could help the Eagles?
The most immediate question the Eagles must answer is whether to expend some late-round draft capital to bring in a quarterback who might give them a better chance than Tanner McKee.
Former backup Gardner Minshew is the effective third-stringer with the Cardinals, who figure to switch to rookie Carson Beck if they eventually decide to bench veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Former Bengals interim starter Jake Browning is on the Chargers practice squad. The Steelers are carrying four quarterbacks. The Colts have former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson on their roster.
A full timeline of Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis
Jalen Hurts could miss the season after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and “bilateral pulmonary emboli,” the Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, announced in a statement on Monday morning.
His treatment will only require blood thinners, the statement said, during which he will not be allowed to participate in any contact activities. They said they expect him to make a full recovery, with the opportunity to resume contact football activities when he is off blood thinners.
Here is the timeline of the events leading up to his diagnosis spanning approximately two weeks, according to statements released by the Eagles:
Sunday, Oct. 4: Jalen Hurts was cleated in his calf during the Eagles’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the team said in a statement on Oct. 15. He played all 61 offensive snaps in that game.
Thursday, Oct. 8: Hurts was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 8, during the week leading up to the team’s Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Sometime after practice on Thursday, the team said Hurts visited the training room requesting treatment for his calf. At that point, they said he informed the medical staff he had been cleated in his calf during the Rams game.
Friday, Oct. 9: Hurts received treatment on his calf again, according to the Oct. 15 statement. He practiced in full and was added to the team’s injury report for the first time that week. He did not have a game status against the Jaguars that reflected he could miss the game.
Saturday, Oct. 10: The team performed an ultrasound on Saturday, Oct. 10, following the team’s Friday night flight to London and their Saturday walk-through “out of an abundance of caution,” according to their Oct. 15 statement. The ultrasound revealed a “superficial blood clot.”
Based on the results, the Eagles’ medical staff and doctors in London concluded that “activity and mobility were important” and determined that Hurts could play “safely” against the Jaguars, the statement read. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the flight back to Philadelphia.
Sunday, October. 11: According to an NFL Network report, Hurts was in the hospital until 4 a.m. that morning and did not sleep before the Jaguars game because “sleep was a risk.” He came out to the sideline late, shortly before the coin toss. Hurts played all 62 offensive snaps in their 2:30 p.m. London-time game against the Jaguars reportedly without having slept the night before.
Monday, Oct. 12 and Tuesday, Oct. 13: Hurts received treatment on Monday, Oct. 12 and Tuesday, Oct. 13., according to the Eagles’ Oct. 15 statement.
Wednesday, Oct. 14: Hurts was listed on the injury report as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 14, their first session of the week ahead of their Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 18.
After practicing at 2:30 p.m., Hurts spoke to the media shortly after 5 p.m. for his regularly scheduled press conference. He was asked about the nature of his calf injury.
“It was a very unique experience to say the least,” he said. “I don’t want to get into the details of leading up to the game and whatnot. I got nicked up in the Rams game.”
When asked why he did not come out of the tunnel and onto the field Sunday until just before the coin toss, Hurts said he was “trying to rest.”
Later that night, Hurts underwent a follow-up ultrasound, which revealed “movement in the small blood clot,” according to the team’s Oct. 15 statement.
Thursday, Oct. 15: The Eagles released a statement in the afternoon detailing the timeline of Hurts’ diagnosis at that point. They ruled him out against the Panthers as they determined “the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.” He did not practice later that day.
Friday, Oct. 16: Hurts did not practice again and was officially ruled out on the team’s final injury report.
“Jalen’s health is of the utmost importance to all of us in this building, [we] care deeply about Jalen,” head coach Nick Sirianni said that morning.
Saturday, Oct. 17: The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve in the afternoon. The move would require Hurts to miss at least four games, sidelining him through Nov. 22 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at a minimum. However, the team had not set a timeline for Hurts’ return at that point.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Tanner McKee started in the Eagles’ loss to the Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field.
Monday, Oct. 19: Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, released a joint statement with the Eagles shortly after 10 a.m. providing more information on Hurts’ diagnosis in London and his most recent diagnosis.The statement said Hurts was initially diagnosed with a “left calf superficial vein thrombosis” in London. After further testing, the current diagnosis of Hurts’ injury is a “deep vein thrombosis” as well as “bilateral pulmonary emboli.” They said he is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations.
His treatment, they said, should only involve blood thinners. He will not be allowed to participate in contact activities, including football. Again, they said they expect him to make a full recovery without any long-term effects. He will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when he comes off blood thinners.
In the meantime, he will remain active around the Eagles and continue to condition.
NFL sports media world reacts to Jalen Hurts news: 'Why?'
How could the Eagles let Jalen Hurts play?
That's the immediate reaction from across the league to the news Hurts will likely miss the rest of the season after blood clots were found in his lungs.
The initial diagnosis of a superficial blood clot in his calf was made in London ahead of the Eagles' Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported Hurts was told by doctors not to sleep prior to the game as a precaution.
Jalen Hurts was told not to sleep prior to Jaguars game in London
Jalen Hurts spent most of the night before the Jaguars game in Week 4 at a London hospital because of the blood clot that was initially found in his calf.
(Tests later revealed clots in his lung that he will receive treatment for, likely taking him out for the season. He is expected to make a full recovery, per the Eagles and his agent Nicole Lynn.)
Hurts didn’t sleep that entire night, per doctor’s orders. He still played the next day after little sleep because of travel and concerns over his medical condition.
Andy Dalton signs with the Falcons after reportedly refusing an Eagles' return
A little more than a week after being released by the Eagles, quarterback Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple reports.
The Eagles reportedly wanted to bring Dalton back with Jalen Hurts out indefinitely as he deals with a blood clot, but Dalton "politely declined," according to NBC's Mike Florio.
To make room for Dalton, the Falcons released quarterback Cooper Rush.
DeVonta Smith's snap restriction, Marcus Epps goes missing
Once again, the defense was forced to be on the field longer than it should because of an Eagles offense that fails to sustain drives. The defense played 79 snaps on Sunday, the fifth time in six games the unit was on the field for 70 or more plays.
It’s not hard to figure out why the fourth-quarter defense hasn’t been consistent enough. Sure, there have been a few of what Cooper DeJean calls “miscommunications,” like the busted coverage that led to Tommy Tremble’s game-sealing touchdown, but there’s also the attrition factor at play, too.
“Not getting sustained drives there obviously cost us and puts the defense in a tough spot,” Nick Sirianni said on Sunday.
NFC Least? Eagles still have a decent mathematical chance to win the division
The Washington Commanders are touchdown underdogs Monday night in San Francisco, and if they lose, the NFC East will become the first division since the AFL-NFL merger to have all of its teams play in consecutive weeks without winning, according to the Associated Press.
Yeah, the division appears to be that bad this season.
The Giants lead at 3-2-1 and the Eagles and Cowboys — who play each other next Monday in Philadelphia — are behind them at 2-4 with the Commanders in the basement at 1-3-1 heading into Monday night.
Latest on Jalen Hurts and ESPN's changing report
With Jalen Hurts on injured reserve as he deals with a blood clot in his calf, the soonest he could be back with the Eagles would be Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There was some confusion over the weekend over his status. Saturday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Hurts wasn't expected to be placed on injured reserve, leaving open the possibility of him returning sooner. That changed a few hours later, with the duo reporting the move by the Eagles.
So what changed?
Eagles injury updates
The Eagles suffered even more injuries during Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Here's what we know and don't know about a number of injured Birds players:
Carson Steele, RB: Steele exited the game with a shoulder injury early in the first quarter. He returned to action in the second, but he appeared to aggravate the injury again later in the same frame on a kickoff. He was ruled out in the third quarter.
Nolan Smith Jr., LB: Smith Jr. suffered a concussion in the second quarter and was ruled out for the game.
Jordan Davis, DT: Davis was injured late in the fourth quarter, grabbing his right leg during a run by Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. Davis was ruled out.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR: Wicks was tackled by the right ankle in the fourth quarter on a 17-yard catch-and-run reception and went down in pain.
Heading into the game, the Eagles had five inactive players: Saquon Barkley (hamstring), Hollywood Brown, Michael Carter II (abdomen), A.J. Epenesa (back), and Jalyx Hunt (ankle/knee).
Nick Sirianni on the hot seat? 'I can see the writing on the wall,' says Brandon Graham
Former Eagles defender turned NFL analyst Brandon Graham thinks Nick Sirianni's future in Philly could be in jeopardy if the Birds head coach isn't able to turn things around.
"I love Nick, but I can just see the writing on the wall if things don't go good this year," Graham said on PHLY's postgame show Sunday. "We all know down years happen, but the wave now is get these coordinators as head coaches."
"And with Nick being relieved of his duties of calling plays," it leaves him vulnerable to being replaced by an up-and-coming offensive coordinator, Graham added.
Eagles face the Cowboys on 'Monday Night Football' next week
If you want a sliver of good news, the Eagles scored more points than the Cowboys did Sunday night.
Dallas lost to the Green Bay Packers, 23-13, at Lambeau Field, and now travel to South Philly to face the Eagles in Week 7 in prime time on ESPN's Monday Night Football.
It's a matchup that's lost a bit of luster. Both teams enter the game with a 2-4 record, and the high-powered Dallas offense has sputtered through the season. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have only managed more than 20 points twice all season, and their only touchdown Sunday came with just 44 seconds on the clock and the game out of reach.
It's more likely the NFL flexes the Eagles out of prime time
The NFL was considering flexing the Eagles (2-4) out of prime time before Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve due to a blood clot in his leg.
Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers certainly won't help the Birds' case.
As it stands now, the two-win Eagles are set to face the one-win Washington Commanders (1-3-1) in Week 8 on NBC's Sunday Night Football. Even with Hurts, the Eagles weren't exactly must-see TV on offense, and that didn't change much with Tanner McKee under center.
Jordan Mailata fielded questions for nearly 30 minutes about what's going wrong
Jordan Mailata stood in the center of the locker room, his game jersey still soaked and eye black dripping down his face, and loudly shouted toward reporters that he was ready for questions.
He hadn’t even stopped at his locker yet. Clearly he was eager to get his message out.
Shortly after the Eagles’ 25-14 loss to the Panthers — their fourth loss in a row — the All-Pro tackle held court in the quiet dressing room, fielding questions for nearly 30 minutes about what, exactly, is going wrong with the 2026 Eagles.
NFC East standings: Worst division in the NFL?
Despite four straight losses, the Eagles have as much of a shot as anyone to win the NFC East.
The New York Giants remain in first place in the NFC East, despite losing to the New Orleans Saints Sunday.
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Green Bay Packers Sunday night, dropping them back into the tie with the Eagles.
Photos of Eagles' loss to the Panthers
Eagles 2026 schedule
Week 1: Eagles 24, Commanders 22
Week 2: Eagles 24, Titans 20
Week 3: Bears 27, Eagles 7
Week 4: Rams 24, Eagles 20
Week 5: Jaguars 19, Eagles 17
Week 6: Panthers 25, Eagles 14
Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Week 10: Bye week
Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)