The investigation into Jalen Hurts’ blood clots is underway, and, according to a source, there’s no set timeline for when it will be completed. The NFL and the NFL Players Association have issued a joint statement confirming that they are collaborating to look into the situation.
This scrutiny follows the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to place Hurts on injured reserve and disclose that he is undergoing treatment with blood thinners for deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The players’ union had actually called for this review just last week.
As for Hurts, he won’t be able to play until his condition improves and he discontinues the blood thinners, likely sidelining him for the rest of the regular season and possibly longer.
The Eagles have remained relatively tight-lipped regarding the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ situation since their announcement on October 19. Coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media, but he didn’t provide any substantial insights, stating simply that he’s not a doctor.
The team’s medical staff and general manager Howie Roseman have also not been made available for questions about this matter.
However, the NFL has staunchly defended the Eagles’ handling of the situation. Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, expressed his full confidence in the Eagles’ medical team. The NFLPA, on the other hand, was not entirely convinced and decided to initiate an investigation pursuant to their rights outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed the investigation, affirming that it’s a normal part of their processes, and remarked that their chief medical officer had reviewed the protocols in place.
It’s still unclear what specific questions the investigation will address, but several obvious ones come to mind:
- Why did the Eagles wait until after their trip to London to check Hurts for blood clots?
- What occurred in the hours before and after that screening overseas, which led the team to allow Hurts to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11?
- Given that Hurts was already diagnosed with superficial blood clots, why was he allowed to travel back on the team flight from London?
- What safety protocols were implemented during the flight to prevent the superficial clots from developing into deep vein clots, which ultimately happened?
- Did the long return flight from London contribute to Hurts’ condition worsening into deep vein thrombosis?
Goodell expressed skepticism around the idea that the international travel had significantly affected the situation, indicating that medical professionals would better assess any possible connections.
Throughout this entire episode, both the NFL and the NFLPA appear to be focused on the welfare of Hurts. Goodell emphasized that medical evaluations were conducted, and he believes the protocols in place were effective. At the end of the day, the priority remains Hurts’ health and future as a player.
