NFLPA Calls for Investigation Into Jalen Hurts Medical Handling

Jalen Hurts Diagnosed with Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli After London Game

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after medical testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, according to espn.com. The diagnosis follows a chain of medical evaluations that began when a superficial blood clot was discovered via ultrasound in London prior to the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Philadelphia Eagles fans learned on Monday that Hurts had been placed on injured reserve after doctors found multiple blood clots in his lungs, revealed by sources to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Before playing in London, Hurts had been in the hospital until 4 am.

Timeline of Treatment and Diagnostic Changes

Initial reports indicated Hurts did not sleep for 36 hours before playing in London, though his agent later clarified that he rested after returning to his hotel and also at the stadium. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, arranged for Hurts to be evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, an American-owned private hospital serving as an official supplier of sports medicine services for NFL London games. A team statement released on October 15 noted that mobility was initially deemed important and Hurts could safely play against Jacksonville. However, a follow-up ultrasound last Wednesday revealed the clot had moved, prompting the team to rule him out for Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers before placing him on injured reserve. Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, and the Eagles released a joint statement on Monday detailing his condition.

NFL Lacks Protocol for Hurts Situation

Speaking at a news conference, Dr. Allen Sills explained that while the NFL maintains protocols for concussions, emergency preparedness, and extreme heat, the league currently lacks a protocol for situations such as this. Sills maintained that those who dealt with Hurts were “incredibly conservative” and expressed “complete confidence” in the Eagles’ handling of the situation. In response to the developments, the NFL Players Association called for a full investigation, noting that the league had previously informed the union it did not plan to review the care Hurts received. The league and the NFLPA subsequently released a joint statement confirming they are working together to review the matter.

Prognosis and Anticoagulant Treatment Timeline

Hurts is clinically stable and has begun a treatment regimen involving blood thinners. According to medical specialists discussing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism management, patients typically require at least three months of anticoagulant therapy before being reassessed for a return to contact sports.

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