Eagles Face Medical Questions After Jalen Hurts Blood Clots

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the season after a blood clot in his leg progressed to his lungs, raising questions about the medical decisions surrounding his participation in a game in London and his subsequent flight back to the United States. A joint statement from the Eagles and Hurts' agent said his prognosis was very good, while the case drew scrutiny from medical experts, fans and commentators.

According to 6abc, Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf the day before the London game. He spent hours in a hospital overseas before playing on little sleep. After returning to the United States, further examinations and an ultrasound identified the progression of the clot, and the quarterback was ruled out of the team's next game.

Hurts is taking blood thinners and is expected to continue treatment for the next few months. The joint statement indicated that he was not expected to suffer long-term effects and would remain around the team while medical professionals monitored his condition.

Some Philadelphia-area fans questioned the decision to let Hurts play, while others emphasized his recovery over the team's immediate results. Ocean City, New Jersey, resident Kelly Schoch expressed concern about the quarterback's condition.

"Oh, it was so heartbreaking. I feel so bad for him. I pray he's OK; that's the most important thing," said Kelly Schoch.

Jerry Chambers of Levittown also questioned the decision to allow Hurts to participate in the London game.

"He should have never played; we'll see what happens," said Chambers.

Cardiovascular specialist Dr. William Gray, System Chief of Cardiovascular Services at Main Line Health, explained that clots reaching the lungs can pose a serious medical threat. He said early detection and appropriate treatment were important factors in Hurts' recovery outlook.

"Blood clots to the lungs can be life-threatening. Like I said, we're very fortunate the team did a great job picking this up early and on the appropriate blood thinners and on a course to full recovery," Gray said.

Gray added that a diagnosis of superficial venous thrombosis does not automatically mean a patient cannot participate in physical activity. He said most people with the condition respond to conservative treatment, although decisions depend on the individual circumstances and medical assessment.

"Ninety percent of people who have superficial venous thrombosis respond to conservative measures, which means compression, heat and so on," Gray said.

He credited the additional examination after Hurts returned home with identifying the worsening condition. The ultrasound revealed that the clot had extended, allowing the medical team to recognize the problem.

"The best thing that happened was that the team taking care of him followed up when he got back to the United States and did the ultrasound, which identified the extending problem," Gray said.

The Eagles' handling of the situation has also prompted criticism of the organization's communication. Bleeding Green Nation questioned why the team's public explanations did not provide greater clarity about what medical personnel knew before the London game and who made the decisions concerning Hurts' participation and travel.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said the organization had already issued a detailed statement. His response did not resolve the questions raised by commentators about the medical decision-making process or the information available to team officials overseas.

"We put out a detailed statement for you guys to hear and to understand," Sirianni said.

The commentary also highlighted uncertainty about Hurts' long-term position in Philadelphia. Although his contract runs through the 2028 season, the Eagles face decisions about their quarterback's future amid questions about his health, the team's direction and the possibility of another contract extension.

Hurts' existing deal, signed in 2023, has already paid out much of its guaranteed money, according to Bleeding Green Nation. The outlet noted that Philadelphia could potentially move on after next season, although doing so would involve a $54.5 million dead cap charge.

The quarterback's future is also tied to changes in Philadelphia's offensive system. The Eagles have employed three offensive coordinators or play callers in three years, with Sean Mannion replacing Kevin Patullo and introducing a scheme featuring more under-center snaps and play-action. Early results have been complicated by injuries, including those affecting running back Saquon Barkley, and personnel changes.

For fans, the immediate priority remains Hurts' recovery. Croydon resident Ryan Mahler said he was disappointed by the situation but focused on the quarterback's health.

"Upset, just want to make sure he comes back healthy," Mahler said.