Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has expressed his support and concern for starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is expected to miss the remainder of the NFL season after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. Hurts, sidelined since early October, was found to have pulmonary emboli following initial tests that identified a superficial clot in his left calf. The Eagles and Hurts’s agent, Nicole Lynn, have indicated optimism for a full recovery and a potential return to football once treatment with blood thinners concludes, though no medical certainties have been provided.
Sirianni, who has not been without Hurts for more than two weeks since becoming head coach in 2021, has refrained from providing detailed updates on the quarterback’s condition, stating only, “I miss him.” The coach emphasized his concern for Hurts’s health but stopped short of addressing the team’s future plans at the position.
Hurts entered the 2023 season in the third year of a five-year, $255 million contract extension, which includes $22 million in guaranteed salary for the current season. The quarterback’s agreement contains no guaranteed money beyond 2027, and his no-trade clause grants him control over any potential trade discussions. Financial and roster management considerations will factor into the team’s decisions regarding Hurts’s long-term role.
The Eagles, under Sirianni and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, implemented significant schematic changes this season aimed at leveraging Hurts’s skill set. However, the offense has struggled through the first five games, ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency metrics and experiencing challenges in the running game and passing efficiency. Injuries, including the retirement of veteran right tackle Lane Johnson and the trade of two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens, have further complicated offensive continuity.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee, less experienced in the Eagles’ system, has taken over starting duties. McKee completed 14 of 25 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown in a recent 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, a game that saw the Eagles punt on their first five drives—a rarity under Sirianni’s tenure. Despite offensive struggles, Mannion remains the play-caller, with Sirianni affirming the coaching staff will pursue every avenue to improve performance.
Medical oversight of Hurts’s diagnosis has drawn attention after the league’s chief medical officer, Allen Sills, explained the process leading to the discovery of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. The NFL stated that the Eagles managed Hurts’s care appropriately, with no indication of interference from nonmedical personnel. However, the NFL Players Association has requested a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hurts’s health, despite the NFL previously indicating no plan for formal review. The union highlighted the importance of ensuring that players receive the highest standard of medical care.
With Hurts’s health as the primary concern, the Eagles face crucial decisions regarding their quarterback’s future amid financial and performance uncertainties. The team is balancing recovery hopes with operational challenges as they seek answers to what lies ahead for both Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense.