No one could have seen this coming, but Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is now facing a serious health issue after being ruled out of the team's Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Hurts suffered a calf injury in the Eagles' Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but did not show up on the injury report until the Friday before the Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Eagles released a statement on the matter.
“On Thursday, October 8th, 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 4th. This was his 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.”
Eagles now won't have Jalen Hurts in Week 6 with scary injury
This is obviously a scary moment for Hurts, as he tries to understand his health concerns and get the help he needs. The hope is that they caught it in time and can treat it quickly since he already played on the calf injury during the Jaguars.
There is obviously the football element to all of this, but Hurts' health is the most important thing right now. This is not something to take lightly and the Eagles need to make sure they give him the help he needs.
For the time being, the quarterback job will be going to Tanner McKee and Cole Payton as his backup. There is a strong chance that Andy Dalton gets brought back into the fold after being released by the team.
McKee has experience starting for the Eagles, but usually at the end of the year when the games don't matter. This will be his first real action where the team needs him to step up to the plate and help them win.
Hurts' injury adds to the fact that Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith are not looking like they will play in Week 6 either with their injuries. Barkley missed the Eagles' Week 5 game and Smith has missed the last two weeks.
This is certainly looking like a nightmare season for the Eagles that is only getting worse and worse by the week. It would have to take some miracle at this point to get this team back on track and recover from the 2-3 start.
Read more: A potential Kenny Gainwell reunion has to be at the top of Eagles' minds
Let's just hope Hurts is able to make a full recovery just for his own sake first off. Eagles fans can worry about the football side of things once they know that Hurts is okay and can play again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google