NFL55 min ago2 minute read

NFL Backs Eagles Following Jalen Hurts Blood Clot Diagnosis

The NFL cleared the Eagles of wrongdoing after Jalen Hurts developed blood clots in his lungs following the London game.

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League Defends Philadelphia Medical Staff

The NFL is standing behind the Philadelphia Eagles regarding their care for Jalen Hurts. League officials addressed the situation at the owners meetings in New York on Tuesday, confirming the team will not face any punishment.

NFL Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills rejected suggestions that outside factors influenced team doctors. Sills stated that the idea that any physician would put a player in danger is nonsense.

London Diagnosis and Recovery

Hurts, 28, was cleared to play in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Medical staff had initially diagnosed him with a superficial blood clot in his calf.

Days after the contest, doctors found multiple blood clots in his lungs. Hurts was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, showing that a clot traveled from his leg to his lungs.

Hurts is set to miss the rest of the season while undergoing treatment with blood thinners. The recovery process for the three time Pro Bowler is expected to take around three months.

League Stresses Careful Planning

The diagnosis triggered strong public discussion, but league officials labeled that speculation unfounded. Jeff Miller, an executive vice president overseeing player health and safety, said careful steps were taken to make sure the health of Hurts was always the top priority.

The NFL confirmed it remained in contact with Eagles medical personnel and Cleveland Clinic London throughout the evaluation. Sills described the team handling as very conservative, very patient focused and appropriately guarded.

Sills, who has worked as a team doctor for three decades, expressed tremendous confidence in the Eagles medical staff. He also criticized online commentators who gave medical opinions without examining the player, calling such commentary unprofessional and unethical. Sills noted that the league tracks blood clot cases every year with the players union, adding that doctors prepare one to two years ahead of international trips.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia must adjust quickly with their starting quarterback sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, Tue, 27 Oct): Philadelphia Eagles win 35%, Dallas Cowboys win 65%; projected score Philadelphia Eagles 21, Dallas Cowboys 24. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.