NFLPA Calls for Probe Into Eagles Medical Decisions After Jalen Hurts Blood Clot Diagnosis

NFL Players Association Calls for Investigation

The NFL Players Association is calling for a full investigation into the medical care provided to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after reports that he is expected to miss the remainder of the season following the discovery of multiple blood clots in his lungs.

The NFLPA issued a statement Tuesday night in response to recent comments from NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills and reports that the league does not plan to discipline the Eagles over their handling of the process that cleared Hurts to play in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

Hurts, 28, is expected to miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. The diagnosis has raised questions about the medical decisions that allowed the Philadelphia quarterback to play against Jacksonville after a blood clot was identified during an examination in London.

NFL Defends Medical Process as Questions Mount

NFL officials strongly defended the medical process surrounding Hurts’ condition Tuesday, with Sills expressing confidence in the Eagles’ medical staff while declining to discuss the specifics of the quarterback’s case because of medical privacy concerns.

Sills, who has worked as a team physician for three decades, said he has “tremendous confidence” in Philadelphia’s medical personnel. He also explained that the NFL begins preparing for international games one to two years in advance, identifying local hospitals, physicians and medical resources at each destination.

The league’s comments came amid growing speculation about why Hurts was permitted to play in London despite the discovery of a blood clot. The NFLPA’s demand for a full investigation adds pressure on the league to examine the circumstances surrounding the quarterback’s medical evaluation and clearance.

Blood Clot Discovered Before Eagles-Jaguars Game

According to a statement released by Philadelphia last week, an ultrasound performed in London on Oct. 10 revealed a superficial blood clot. The Eagles said their medical staff and London-based doctors reviewed the results and “concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play” against Jacksonville.

Hurts subsequently returned to Philadelphia, where he underwent a follow-up ultrasound Wednesday. That examination revealed movement in the blood clot, prompting the Eagles to rule him out for their game against the Carolina Panthers.

Further testing and monitoring led to a more serious diagnosis, according to a statement released Monday by Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, and the Eagles. Doctors identified deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, a condition involving blood clots in both lungs.

The development has intensified scrutiny of the decisions made before and during the team’s trip to London, particularly the medical evaluations that preceded Hurts’ participation against Jacksonville.

Reports Detail Hurts Medical Timeline in London

Sources told Rapoport that Hurts was hospitalized late at night in London following the discovery of the blood clot. After returning to the team hotel at approximately 3 a.m. local time, he was able to sleep until the team departed for the stadium at 10:30 a.m.

Upon arriving at the stadium, Hurts reportedly took another nap before heading onto the field for pregame warmups. Those details have fueled questions about the quarterback’s condition and the decision to allow him to play. However, the Eagles have maintained that their medical staff and local physicians reviewed the available information before determining that he could safely participate.

Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni declined to discuss the specifics of the decision Monday but defended the organization’s commitment to player safety. The coach did not reveal the contents of his personal conversations with Hurts or provide further details about the medical discussions surrounding the quarterback’s clearance.

Eagles Face Uncertainty Without Their Starting Quarterback

Sources told Rapoport that Hurts’ blood clot is considered “provoked,” meaning it was associated with an identifiable trigger. In this case, the clot was reportedly linked to being cleated in the calf. That classification is generally associated with a favorable prognosis when the condition is appropriately treated and monitored.

Nevertheless, the discovery of pulmonary emboli represents a serious medical development, and Hurts’ immediate priority will be following his doctors’ treatment recommendations and recovery plan.

The Eagles must now prepare for an extended period without their starting quarterback as they navigate the remainder of the season. Sirianni acknowledged that Hurts’ absence will require a transition but declined to provide details about his private conversations with the quarterback.

The NFLPA’s call for a full investigation puts the focus on the medical decision-making process, including the evaluations conducted in London, the communication among medical personnel and the circumstances under which Hurts was cleared to play.

The league has defended the medical staff involved, but questions remain about how the situation unfolded and whether the protocols surrounding Hurts’ evaluation and clearance were properly followed. Any investigation will be closely watched as the NFL and its players’ association continue to address player safety and medical oversight.