Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot Diagnosis: Why Leg Injuries and Long Flights Can Be a Dangerous Combination
October 19, 2026 | Hill Vascular & Vein Center
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE)—blood clots affecting both lungs.
The diagnosis is especially concerning because Hurts is a young, exceptionally fit professional athlete. His experience is an important reminder that blood clots can affect anyone, including people who appear to be in excellent health.
His injury also raises an important question: What happens when someone injures their leg and then spends hours sitting on an airplane?
We asked Dr. Bradley B. Hill, board-certified vascular surgeon and founder of Hill Vascular & Vein Center, to explain the risks of blood clots following injuries, why prolonged travel can increase those risks, and what travelers can do to protect themselves.
What Happened to Jalen Hurts?
According to reports and statements released by the Philadelphia Eagles, the sequence of events began on October 4, 2026, when Hurts was struck in his left calf by another player’s cleat during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
On October 8, he sought treatment for his calf. Despite the injury, he continued practicing and traveled with the Eagles to London for their October 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
An ultrasound performed in London initially identified a superficial vein thrombosis—a blood clot in a vein close to the skin’s surface.
Hurts was medically cleared to play against Jacksonville, but subsequent monitoring raised additional concerns. A follow-up ultrasound reportedly showed changes involving the clot.
On October 19, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that further evaluation had identified a deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
What Is His Prognosis?
Fortunately, Hurts’ medical team reports that he is clinically stable, has no significant functional limitations, and is expected to make a full recovery without long-term effects.
His treatment involves anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners. While taking these medications, he cannot participate in contact sports because of the increased risk of serious bleeding.
The Eagles anticipate that he will eventually be able to return to football after completing treatment and receiving medical clearance.
Although reports indicate he is likely to miss the remainder of the season, his exact treatment duration and return date have not been announced.
An important distinction: Although Hurts sustained a calf injury and traveled internationally, the precise cause of his DVT and pulmonary emboli has not been publicly established. His experience nevertheless highlights several well-recognized risk factors for blood clots.
What Is the Difference Between DVT and Pulmonary Embolism?
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot, or part of a clot, breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it blocks blood flow.
As Dr. Hill explains, a clot in the lungs typically originates elsewhere in the body and travels through the central veins and right side of the heart before reaching the pulmonary arteries.
A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, although its severity varies significantly depending on the clot burden, the patient’s blood pressure, heart function, oxygen levels, and overall clinical condition.
Bilateral pulmonary emboli means that clots affect arteries in both lungs. This is a serious diagnosis, but it does not necessarily mean a patient is experiencing a medically classified massive pulmonary embolism, which is generally characterized by significant circulatory instability.
Why Do Leg Injuries Increase the Risk of Blood Clots?
A calf injury may seem like a routine part of sports, exercise, or everyday life. However, injuries can create conditions that make blood clots more likely.
Three primary factors contribute to clot formation:
- Blood vessel damage: A direct blow, fracture, or surgical procedure may injure blood vessels.
- Reduced circulation: Pain, swelling, limited mobility, or immobilization can slow the movement of blood through the veins.
- Increased clotting tendency: Trauma and surgery can temporarily activate the body’s clotting mechanisms.
These factors are collectively known as Virchow’s triad.
For someone recovering from an injury, the combination of tissue damage, inflammation, and reduced movement can increase the risk of developing DVT.
Not every injury results in a blood clot. However, unexplained swelling, persistent calf pain, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve should not be dismissed as ordinary soreness.
Why Can Flying After an Injury Be Particularly Risky?
Air travel adds another factor: prolonged sitting.
The calf muscles play an essential role in circulating blood from the lower extremities back toward the heart. Every time we walk, our calf muscles contract, helping move blood through the veins.
During a long flight, passengers may remain seated for hours without adequately activating these muscles.
This can cause blood to pool in the lower extremities and slow venous circulation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travel lasting more than four hours can increase the risk of DVT, particularly in people with additional risk factors such as recent injury, surgery, or limited mobility.
Dr. Hill notes that trauma, prolonged immobility, and individual biological factors can combine to increase the likelihood of clot formation.
While dehydration is often discussed as a possible contributing factor, prolonged immobility and existing medical risk factors are more clearly established concerns.
The takeaway: An injury that affects circulation, followed by hours of sitting, deserves particular attention.
Why We Recommend Compression Stockings for Long Flights—Even for Healthy Travelers
At Hill Vascular & Vein Center, we encourage travelers to consider wearing properly fitted graduated compression stockings on long flights, even when they are otherwise healthy.
Compression stockings are not just for older adults or patients with varicose veins. They can also be a practical way to support leg circulation during extended periods of sitting.
How Do Compression Stockings Work?
Graduated compression stockings apply controlled pressure to the legs, with the greatest pressure at the ankle and gradually decreasing pressure higher up the leg.
This helps support venous blood flow toward the heart, reduces pooling in the lower extremities, and can decrease swelling during prolonged sitting.
Research has demonstrated that properly fitted graduated compression stockings reduce the incidence of asymptomatic DVT and leg swelling during long-distance flights.
However, evidence that they prevent symptomatic DVT, pulmonary embolism, or death in otherwise healthy travelers is limited because these events are uncommon.
Should Healthy People Wear Compression Stockings When Flying?
Our recommendation is that even healthy travelers consider wearing graduated compression stockings on flights lasting four hours or longer.
Although the absolute risk of travel-related DVT is low in healthy individuals, compression stockings offer a generally well-tolerated option for supporting venous circulation and reducing leg swelling.
For travelers with additional risk factors, such as recent surgery, leg injuries, a history of DVT, pregnancy, or limited mobility, compression stockings may be particularly beneficial.
National recommendations generally reserve stronger advice for people at increased clotting risk, rather than requiring compression stockings for all healthy travelers.
What Type of Compression Stockings Should You Wear?
For routine travel, knee-high graduated compression stockings are often a practical choice.
Mild or moderate compression may be appropriate depending on the individual, but higher compression levels are not necessarily better.
The stockings should fit properly, without rolling, bunching, or creating a tight band around the leg.
People with peripheral arterial disease, impaired circulation to the feet, certain skin conditions, or other vascular concerns should consult their physician before using compression stockings.
Travelers recovering from surgery or an injury should also obtain individualized guidance.
Compression stockings are not a substitute for walking, calf exercises, or appropriate medical treatment.
Seven Ways to Help Prevent Blood Clots During Long Flights
Whether traveling for vacation, business, or after a medical procedure, these precautions can help support healthy circulation.
1. Wear properly fitted graduated compression stockings.
Consider compression stockings for flights lasting four hours or longer, particularly if you experience leg swelling or have additional clotting risk factors.
2. Walk around regularly.
Whenever safe and permitted, stand up and walk approximately every one to two hours. Choosing an aisle seat can make movement easier.
3. Pump your calf muscles while seated.
Raise and lower your heels, flex your ankles, and point your toes upward and downward. These simple movements help activate the calf muscle pump.
4. Avoid prolonged immobility.
Change positions regularly and avoid keeping your legs crossed or tightly confined for extended periods.
5. Stay adequately hydrated.
Drink fluids regularly and avoid dehydration. Hydration alone has not been proven to prevent DVT, so it should complement—not replace—movement and other precautions.
6. Discuss recent injuries or surgery before traveling.
If you have experienced a calf injury, fracture, orthopedic surgery, or other procedure, ask your physician whether flying is appropriate and whether additional preventive measures are needed.
7. Never self-prescribe blood thinners for travel.
Aspirin and anticoagulants can cause bleeding and should not be started solely to prevent travel-related clots without medical advice.
Flying After Surgery or a Medical Procedure
Blood clot risks are not limited to sports injuries.
Patients recovering from hip or knee replacement, fracture repair, abdominal surgery, or other procedures may have a temporarily increased risk of DVT.
Even some minimally invasive procedures can carry clotting risks, depending on the treatment and the patient’s medical history.
Before flying after surgery, ask your treating physician whether you should delay travel, use compression stockings, follow specific movement precautions, or receive other preventive treatment.
The safest travel timeline varies by procedure and individual risk. Patients with a newly diagnosed DVT or PE require medical clearance before flying.
Warning Signs of DVT After an Injury, Surgery, or Flight
A blood clot can sometimes resemble ordinary soreness after an injury.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Swelling in one calf, ankle, or leg
- Persistent or unexplained leg pain
- Tenderness or warmth in the affected area
- Redness or unusual skin discoloration
- New or worsening symptoms during recovery
Some people with DVT experience no noticeable symptoms.
A venous duplex ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate suspected blood clots in the legs.
If you develop unexplained leg swelling or calf pain, seek prompt medical evaluation, particularly after recent travel, surgery, or injury.
When Is It a Medical Emergency?
A pulmonary embolism can occur without obvious leg symptoms.
Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Fainting or severe lightheadedness
- A rapid heartbeat accompanied by breathing difficulty or chest discomfort
A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation.
Why Will Jalen Hurts Be Unable to Play Football During Treatment?
The primary concern is the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulant medication.
Blood thinners reduce the formation and growth of blood clots while the body gradually breaks down existing clots.
These medications are essential for many patients with DVT and pulmonary embolism, but they also increase the risk of bleeding following an injury.
A significant blow to the head during contact football could result in dangerous intracranial bleeding.
For that reason, athletes generally must avoid contact sports while receiving therapeutic anticoagulation.
Treatment for DVT or pulmonary embolism typically lasts at least three months. Some patients require three to six months or longer, depending on the cause of the clot, the risk of recurrence, and other medical considerations.
Hurts’ medical team has expressed optimism that he can return to contact football after treatment is completed and he is medically cleared.
What Can We Learn From Jalen Hurts’ Experience?
Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis demonstrates that being young, active, and physically fit does not eliminate the risk of developing blood clots.
A leg injury can create conditions that favor clot formation. Extended sitting during travel may add to those risks.
For patients recovering from surgery or injury, recognizing symptoms early and following appropriate medical guidance are essential.
And for the millions of people who fly every year, there are simple steps worth taking:
Move your legs. Walk when possible. Consider properly fitted compression stockings. Know the warning signs.
Most importantly, do not ignore unexplained calf pain or swelling—especially after an injury or long flight.
Concerned About Leg Swelling or DVT?
Hill Vascular & Vein Center specializes in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions, including deep vein thrombosis and other disorders affecting circulation in the legs.
Our IAC-accredited vascular ultrasound services provide noninvasive evaluation of venous circulation.
With locations in Campbell and Santa Cruz, California, we serve patients throughout Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley, the South Bay, and Santa Cruz County.
Contact Hill Vascular & Vein Center to learn more about vascular evaluations and venous ultrasound services.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, call 911 immediately.
Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Dr. Bradley Hill is not involved in Jalen Hurts’ medical care. Information regarding his diagnosis and prognosis is based on publicly released statements and news reporting as of October 19, 2026.
References
- Philadelphia Eagles — Official Jalen Hurts medical update, October 19, 2026
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Understanding Your Risk for Blood Clots with Travel
- CDC Yellow Book 2026 — Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
- Cochrane — Compression Stockings for Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Airline Passengers