NFLPA Calls for Investigation into Jalen Hurts' Medical Care, NFL Defends Eagles

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has requested a full investigation into the medical care of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after the league said it would not punish the team for its handling of his blood clot diagnosis. According to the NFLPA, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care Hurts received, and the union says determining the facts is essential to ensuring player safety. The NFLPA stated, "Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred."

The NFL and its chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, defended the Eagles' treatment of Hurts. Sills said he had complete confidence in the Eagles' medical staff and described their work as conservative, patient‑focused, and appropriately guarded. The league also said it had been in contact with the Eagles' medical personnel and the Cleveland Clinic in London throughout the testing process. The NFL announced that it would not levy any punishment on the franchise for how it handled the medical process or for Hurts not being given an injury designation ahead of the game.

Hurts was first diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf, which the Eagles reported had moved and led to him being ruled out for their Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Subsequent scans revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and the team later placed him on injured reserve. The Eagles issued a statement that the NFL was made aware of the situation last week, and the diagnosis became public shortly after the London game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The league said Hurts was expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season.

Reports circulated that Hurts had not slept for 36 hours before the London game, but the NFL clarified that he slept for about seven or eight hours. NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said, "Jalen Hurts returned to the hotel, slept for a period of time and went to the stadium," and that the team had tried to maintain a normal routine. The league also stated that misinformation about Hurts not sleeping was not true and that no one told him not to sleep because of his situation.

Dr. Caron Rockman, a vascular surgeon with roughly 30 years of experience, said based on what she has read there is no evidence the Eagles acted improperly while dealing with Hurts' condition. She described the case as a judgment call and noted that treating a blood clot involves looking at multiple factors. The NFLPA remains concerned that the league has not conducted a thorough review of the medical care provided to Hurts.