Jalen Hurts Blood Clot Raises Questions for Eagles

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Jalen Hurts Injury Raises Questions as Philadelphia’s Season Slips Away

The circumstances surrounding Jalen Hurts’ injury have created one of the most baffling NFL stories of the season. According to reports, the Philadelphia Eagles knew before traveling to London that Hurts had a blood clot in his calf. He was reportedly advised not to sleep as a precaution, remained awake for roughly 30 to 36 hours, played in the game and then learned that the blood clot was still present. He flew home from London and is now expected to spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.

If those reports are accurate, the situation reflects poorly on both the NFL and the Eagles. However, it is worth waiting to hear from Philadelphia before reaching a final conclusion. Reporters often receive this type of information from agents, and releasing these details could be intended to suggest that Hurts was mishandled. A response from the Eagles may provide greater clarity.

When a player has blood clots, the primary concern becomes the person’s health rather than football. Victor Wembayama was cited as a recent prominent player who missed significant time with the same issue.

Philadelphia’s loss to Carolina without Hurts, combined with the team’s other injuries, makes this feel like a lost season. Even so, the weakness of the division leaves the Eagles with a possible path to the postseason. Philadelphia could potentially finish 7-10 and still win the division, as there is no clear favorite among the Cowboys, Washington, the Giants and the Eagles.

The Giants are already 10-point underdogs against Houston this week and now face a quarterback controversy. If a team cannot decide between Jameis Winston and JJ McCarthy, it is difficult to feel confident about its quarterback situation. Saquan may return within the next few weeks, but that would not solve the offensive line’s problems.

For Eagles fans, the Hurts news feels like another major blow. Questions are also being raised about whether Mannion is the right offensive coordinator for the job. McKee will now have an opportunity to show whether he can replace Hurts, although his initial performance did not demonstrate that he could lead the team to a win.

McKee played more effectively in the second half, but there is a reason he has been a backup. Other teams reportedly wanted him as well, though possibly for another backup role. The larger question is whether he can play well enough over the remainder of the season to secure a place as a backup quarterback in the league.

Philadelphia was also severely depleted, with few options at running back and essentially one receiver in Devonta Smith. That makes it reasonable to reserve full judgment on McKee until the end of the season. For all intents and purposes, the Eagles’ season may be over, yet the state of the division means they could still win it with a 7-10 record.