Key Takeaways
- The NFL and NFL Players Association will jointly review how the Philadelphia Eagles handled Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis and decision to clear him to play.
- Hurts played against Jacksonville one day after doctors found a superficial clot. Later tests revealed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs.
- The quarterback will miss the rest of the season while taking blood thinners, and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester has asked Commissioner Roger Goodell to clarify the league’s blood clot protocols.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association are joining forces to investigate how the Philadelphia Eagles handled Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis after the quarterback was cleared to play despite health concerns.
According to ESPN, the league and players union confirmed Sunday (Oct. 25) that they will conduct a joint review of the Eagles' medical decisions surrounding Hurts' condition.
The announcement came after the players union called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hurts' diagnosis and whether the Eagles took the appropriate steps to protect their quarterback.
"Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred," the union stated. "Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward."
The decision represents a shift from the NFL's position earlier this week.
On Tuesday (Oct. 20), the league initially indicated that it would not investigate or discipline Philadelphia over its handling of Hurts' medical situation.
"We don't have protocol about this," NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said. "I have complete confidence in the Eagles' medical staff and their handling of this situation."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also defended the team's medical staff while expressing support for further examination.
"Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there. The protocols were followed," Goodell said.
Hurts' medical issues reportedly began Oct. 4 when he was struck in the calf by a cleat during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Four days later, the 28-year-old experienced discomfort, prompting an ultrasound examination in London on Oct. 10 that revealed a superficial blood clot.
Despite the diagnosis, Eagles medical personnel and doctors in London determined that Hurts could safely continue playing.
He started against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11, completing 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia's 19-17 loss.
However, a follow-up examination a few days later revealed that the clot had moved.
On Oct. 19, Hurts' representatives and the Eagles announced that he had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, a serious condition involving blood clots traveling to the lungs.
Hurts was subsequently placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season and began treatment with blood-thinning medication.
Medical experts have warned that returning to football while taking blood thinners could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding from physical contact.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the league and union have already begun discussions about organizing the review.
Meanwhile, Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester has also asked Goodell for answers about how the league handled Hurts' diagnosis and its medical guidelines.
