NFL Expresses Frustration With Eagles Over Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Communication
The league is reportedly upset with the Eagles' handling of public statements regarding quarterback Jalen Hurts' medical condition.
The National Football League is reportedly "furious" with the Philadelphia Eagles regarding the team's communication surrounding quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis. Sources familiar with the NFL offices indicated that the league's displeasure stems not from the timeline or treatment of Hurts' condition, but from the Eagles' public statements on the matter.
The NFL believes the Eagles did not provide adequate transparency and deferred explanations away from medical professionals, leading to criticism and inaccurate reports. This lack of clarity has drawn scrutiny from fans and media outlets, particularly after initial reports suggested Hurts had not slept before playing in London due to the risk of blood clots.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media on October 19 after news broke of Hurts' condition and subsequent absence from games. However, questions regarding the specifics of the treatment and the timeline were largely left unanswered. General Manager Howie Roseman has not publicly commented on the situation, and the team has not made its medical staff available to the press.
According to a statement from the Eagles and Hurts' agent on October 15, the quarterback first reported calf issues on October 8, following an injury during the team's Week 4 game against the Rams. A "superficial blood clot" was discovered in his left calf during an evaluation before the game against the Jaguars in London. At that time, the team stated that medical staff determined Hurts "could safely play" against Jacksonville.
Subsequent comprehensive medical evaluations led to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism. Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the current season while undergoing treatment with blood thinners.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association have initiated discussions regarding a joint review of the medical care provided to Hurts. Under the collective bargaining agreement, this review process could take up to 120 days. While a formal investigation has not yet been launched, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the league welcomes such a review.
Goodell commented on October 21 at the league's owners' meetings in New York, asserting that NFL protocols were followed and that the league's chief medical officer had reviewed the situation. "Our protocols were incredibly good there," Goodell said. "The protocols were followed."
Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, defended the Eagles' medical staff during the owners' meetings, dismissing suggestions that external factors influenced medical decisions. "The notion that there’s external factors that any of our physicians would put a player in harm’s way — that’s nonsense," Sills stated. He added that league officials were in contact with team doctors, athletic trainers, and the Cleveland Clinic in London.
In Hurts' absence, Tanner McKee has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Eagles. The team, currently 2-4 alongside the Dallas Cowboys, is set to face their NFC East rivals on "Monday Night Football" to conclude Week 7.