Eagles Coach Sirianni Prioritizes Jalen Hurts’ Health Over Game Play

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  Tim McManusOct 16, 2026, 03:27 PM ET

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  Tim McManus covers the Philadelphia Eagles for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2016 after covering the Eagles for Philadelphia Magazine’s Birds 24/7, a site he helped create, since 2010.

By Tim McManus and ESPN Staff

Philadelphia — Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni kept details about Jalen Hurts’ condition minimal on Friday, choosing instead to highlight the bond he shares with his quarterback.

“I’m always looking out for our players,” Sirianni said at the press conference. “Jalen and I have a special connection; there have been moments when I’ve told him, ‘I know you like I know my own brother.’ We’ve spent countless hours together, experienced the peaks and valleys of the season. My first instinct is always to protect the player, because this relationship goes far beyond just coach and athlete.”

Hurts will miss Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers after being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf. The organization issued a detailed statement on Thursday outlining the steps that led to the discovery of the clot.

According to the team, Hurts initially noticed discomfort during the Week 4 game versus the Los Angeles Rams and sought treatment for his calf the following Thursday. An ultrasound performed in London on Saturday identified the clot, yet Hurts took the field in Week 5 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Eagles’ medical staff reviewed the findings and determined that continued activity and mobility were safe for him.

A follow‑up ultrasound on Wednesday evening showed that the clot had shifted, prompting the decision to hold Hurts out of the Panthers game.

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The Eagles have not announced a timetable for his return.

“There’s considerable curiosity about Jalen’s health,” Sirianni added when asked whether a treatment plan has been set. “But I won’t go into specifics. His well‑being is the top priority for everyone in this facility, and we all care deeply about him.”

Most Eagles learned of Hurts’ situation while taking the field for Thursday’s walk‑through practice.

“It’s tough to see your leader sidelined for something like this,” said wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. “It’s a serious matter. You never truly know what someone is dealing with, especially when he played last week and we were unaware. Still, we’ll stand by his side, support him through this, and do what’s needed until he’s back.”

Tanner McKee is slated to start in Hurts’ place. Several skill‑position players voiced confidence in McKee, the 2023 sixth‑round pick from Stanford, as they adjust to losing their starting quarterback for an indefinite period.

“He’s doing fine,” said wide receiver DeVonta Smith when asked if he had spoken with Hurts. “It’s bigger than football. An issue this serious puts everything into perspective.”

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