Out For Now

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts for, at minimum, Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The team on Thursday announced that Hurts has a superficial blood clot in his calf.

Here’s the official announcement from the Eagles regarding the development:

“On Thursday, October 8^th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf. He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4^th. This was just the first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.

“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

“Jalen played without limitation in the game Sunday, received treatment on Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full on Wednesday, as reflected in the practice report. Throughout our time in London and this week, we have remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter.

“On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. Jalen will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.”

ITB PHOTO: Jalen Hurts is out for Sunday and maybe longer because of a blood clot in his calf that moved.

In Sunday’s game in London, Hurts carried just twice for two yards, sparking curiosity. While the game plan, as offensive coordinator Sean Mannion explained Tuesday, focused on being more “pass-oriented,” Hurts’ condition presumably fueled the rationale.

Hurts first popped up on the injury report with the calf injury last Friday, though he was listed as a full participant and carried no injury designation heading into Sunday. He again appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with the same designation but practiced in full.

“It was a very unique experience to say the least,” Hurts, touching on the calf injury, said Wednesday. “I don’t want to get into the details of kind of leading up to the game or whatnot, but got nicked up in the Rams game.”

Hurts took the field in London shortly before kickoff because he said he was “trying to rest.”

In the interim, the Eagles will turn to No. 2 quarterback Tanner McKee, who leaped veteran Andy Dalton leading up to the team’s Week 4 matchup with the Rams. Rookie Cole Payton, for the moment, bumps up a notch in the pecking order.

There’s also the possibility of a reunion with Dalton, whom the Eagles released last week, though a report from NFL Network indicates a few teams have since checked in.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is the Eagles beat reporter for InsideTheBirds.com.