Eagles under fire: NFL investigates team medical staff over treatment of Jalen Hurts’ blood clot
Philadelphia faces questions over medical decisions after Hurts was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs
The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) are jointly reviewing how the Philadelphia Eagles handled quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis, following concerns about the medical decisions that allowed him to play in London earlier this month.
The announcement came on Sunday after the players’ union called for a full investigation into the care Hurts received before and during the team’s trip to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a brief joint statement, the league and union confirmed they were “working together to review the matter.”
The case has attracted attention because Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf but was cleared to play against Jacksonville on October 11. The Eagles said the issue followed a blow to his calf during their October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
According to the team’s account, Hurts sought treatment after practice on October 8. He practiced the following day before travelling with the squad to London.
An ultrasound conducted after the team arrived detected a superficial clot, and medical staff, alongside doctors in London, concluded he could safely play. A follow-up examination was recommended after the game.
Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, but further testing after his return to Philadelphia revealed that the clot had progressed. He was ruled out against the Carolina Panthers and subsequently placed on injured reserve.
Questions mount over Hurts’ medical clearance
The Eagles and Hurts ’ agent, Nicole Lynn , later confirmed that he had developed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots had reached both lungs.
His treatment includes blood thinners, which prevent him from taking part in football activities while he remains on the medication. The team and his representatives expect a full recovery and say they don't anticipate long-term effects.
The NFLPA had pressed for an investigation, saying that the facts needed to be established before anyone drew conclusions about the decisions made. The union argued that a thorough review was essential to ensuring players receive appropriate medical care and protection.
League officials have defended the process so far. NFL chief medical officer Dr Allen Sills described the Eagles’ approach as conservative and focused on the player, while Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomed a review and maintained that protocols had been followed.
The NFL has also said its medical officials were in contact with the team and doctors in London.
The investigation will examine the timeline of Hurts ’ diagnosis, the medical assessments and the decision to clear him for the Jaguars game. No findings have been announced, and the review has yet to establish whether any errors occurred.
Hurts ’ absence is a major sporting setback for Philadelphia, but his recovery remains the immediate priority. The review could also have broader implications for how teams assess and manage potentially serious medical conditions moving forward.
