Nick Sirianni declines to offer specifics on Jalen Hurts injury timeline, says ‘I’m not a medical expert’
Sirianni was the first Eagles official to meet the media after Monday's report that Hurts could miss the rest of 2026.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Monday addressed the news that quarterback Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely and could miss the remainder of the season with multiple blood clots discovered in his lungs.
The news came two days after the quarterback was placed on injured reserve — despite initial reports stating the team wouldn’t place him on IR — and four days after last week’s announcement that he had a blood clot in his calf.
The sixth-year coach made it clear that he “wasn’t a medical expert,” repeating some version of that phrase five times in the 15-minute news conference. As the only Eagles representative made available to speak on the Hurts situation to date, reporters directed multiple questions to Sirianni about the handling of the injury.
Interest in the Eagles’ approach to the injury intensified Monday when one report, which was later clarified, stated that doctors warned Hurts “not to sleep as a precaution, so he had been awake for roughly 36 hours when he started against the Jaguars.” The later report stated that after being evaluated at a hospital overnight, Hurts did get some sleep upon rejoining the team and had a room set aside for him at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hurts played the entire game, tossing for 220 yards and a touchdown in the 19-17 loss.
“I think that reporter that put that out came out with another report,” Sirianni said. “I know you guys saw that. The health of our players are as always at the forefront of our mind and leave that up to the medical experts, but we always, always care deeply about our players, and that’s when you are completely focused on together and connection. You’re always thinking about the well being of your guys and that’s where we were in that situation.”
According to a statement from Hurts’ agent Monday morning, the former Super Bowl MVP will be placed on blood thinners and is expected to make a “full recovery.”
Sirianni was also asked about the team allowing Hurts to fly back and forth from London with injury.
“Again, I’m not a medical expert,” Sirianni said. “Same deal there. We get medical information from our guys, and we always put players’ health first and foremost in every situation. That’s where we were there.”
Sirianni wouldn’t answer specific medical questions about Hurts, who he said he “misses” having around. Sirianni gave the Eagles’ medical team a full vote of confidence.
“I fully trust the people that are involved in helping us all make these decisions,” Sirianni said. “We have great people here. … The same doctors and trainers that helped 21 of our 22 starters be available in the Super Bowl are the same guys today that deeply care about our guys to help them.
“Don’t have much more to say about that. That’s why we put the statement out. Full trust in those guys … kind of feels like you’re questioning that, and I know you guys have a job to do, but I’ve got the relationship with the players that I have because of the time that we spend together and because of the care that we have for each other. So, it’s always at the forefront of our mind.”
Beyond the Hurts news, Sirianni confirmed that offensive coordinator Sean Mannion would still be calling plays moving forward. This came one day after he said “everything’s on the table” following the Birds’ 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers — the team’s fourth loss in a row.
“Our coaches will do everything we can do to help us win football games,” Sirianni said. “As far as who’s coaching the positions and who’s calling the plays, that will remain the same. We’re looking for answers and we’re looking for solutions.”
The news keeps getting worse. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will likely miss the rest of the 2026 season with a deep vein thrombosis blood clot, as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli. Moments after the story broke, The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes reacted to the news, looking at what the diagnosis means for the Super Bowl MVP, how the Eagles handled the situation dating back to their trip to London, and whether backup Tanner McKee is ready to take the helm on a full-time basis. Listen here.
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