NFLPA demands investigation into Jalen Hurts’ medical care after blood clot diagnosis
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The players’ union says the NFL previously told it no review was planned, despite questions surrounding the Eagles quarterback’s treatment.
The NFL Players Association is demanding a full investigation into medical decisions involving Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was cleared to play after doctors found a blood clot in his calf. Hurts is now expected to miss the season, and his diagnosis has raised questions about blood clot risks for younger Black adults.
A Yahoo Sports report published Wednesday, October 21, details a statement the union issued Tuesday evening. The NFLPA objected to the league’s defense of Philadelphia’s medical decisions, saying it had previously been told the NFL did not plan to review Hurts’ care.
“Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred,” the union said. It argued that establishing the facts is necessary to protect players and ensure appropriate medical care.
Hurts, 28, was diagnosed with a superficial clot in his left calf after undergoing an ultrasound in London on October 10. Doctors cleared him to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars the following day, despite the finding.
Further testing after the game revealed deep vein thrombosis, or a clot in a deeper vein, and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots in both lungs. On October 19, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, said the quarterback was clinically stable and expected to recover fully.
His treatment requires blood thinners, which rule out contact football while he is taking the medication. Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
The NFL, however, has defended the medical decisions. League chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said the Eagles’ staff took a cautious, patient-focused approach and worked with specialists in London. ESPN reported, citing a league source, that Philadelphia will not face punishment over the case.
The union’s request does not establish that the team’s doctors acted improperly. Instead, it challenges whether the NFL can reach a firm conclusion without the investigation the players association wants.
For now, the league and union remain at odds over what review is needed. Neither has announced the launch of the full investigation requested by the NFLPA.