The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has officially called for a full investigation into the medical care provided to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The union’s demand follows reports that the NFL does not intend to discipline the Eagles regarding the management of the quarterback's health.
Hurts, 28, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after medical professionals diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The condition, which involves blood clots in his lungs, was identified following an initial discovery of a superficial clot in his calf.
The controversy centres on the decision to allow Hurts to play in the team's Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Reports confirmed that Hurts underwent an ultrasound in London on 10 October, which revealed a superficial blood clot, yet he was cleared to participate in the match.
The NFLPA expressed dissatisfaction with the league's stance, stating that it had not been made aware of any formal inquiry by the NFL. The union argued that the league had previously indicated it did not plan to review the medical care the quarterback received.
"Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred," the NFLPA said in a statement released Tuesday. "Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care."
NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills defended the league's oversight during a press conference at the owners' meetings on Tuesday. Sills described the Eagles' medical approach as "very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded in every step."
Addressing criticism regarding the decision to play Hurts, Sills stated that the notion of physicians putting a player in harm's way was "nonsense." He confirmed that the league maintained contact with Eagles medical staff and the Cleveland Clinic in London throughout the treatment process.
NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller also addressed public speculation, dismissing concerns as "uninformed" and "unfounded." He reiterated that the league prioritises player health and safety, working extensively to identify local medical resources in international markets well in advance.
Reports had previously circulated suggesting that Hurts was instructed to remain awake for 36 hours as a medical precaution prior to the London fixture. The NFL clarified this as misinformation, stating that the team had encouraged players to maintain a normal routine to adjust to time zone changes.
According to the league's account, Hurts returned to the team hotel at approximately 3 a.m. local time on the day of the game and was able to sleep until later that morning. He also reportedly took a nap at the stadium before kickoff.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his support for the team's medical staff, noting that the same professionals had overseen the health of the roster during their recent Super Bowl campaign. He maintained that player health remains the team's primary focus.
Sirianni acknowledged the difficulty of being without his starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. "I have the utmost confidence in Tanner, but I miss him," Sirianni said. "Jalen and I have been together, head coach and quarterback, for six years."
The team confirmed that Hurts is currently undergoing treatment involving anticoagulation therapy. While he is expected to make a full recovery, he will be unable to participate in any contact activities, including football, while on blood thinners.
The Eagles' medical timeline indicates that a follow-up ultrasound conducted in Philadelphia last Wednesday showed movement in the initial clot. This development led the team to rule Hurts out for their subsequent game against the Carolina Panthers.
Further comprehensive evaluations conducted earlier this week confirmed the presence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. This diagnosis ultimately led to the decision to place the star quarterback on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
The Eagles and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, released a joint statement on Monday confirming the diagnosis. They noted that the quarterback is clinically stable and that his prognosis for a full recovery is considered very good.
The NFL's conclusion that the Eagles handled the situation appropriately has not quelled the concerns of the players' union. The NFLPA continues to insist that a transparent investigation is necessary to establish the facts surrounding the timeline of the diagnosis.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on Hurts' recovery and the potential for a broader review of medical protocols for international games. The Eagles have not provided further comment on the union's call for an investigation.
Hurts, who was named the MVP of Super Bowl LIX, has been a central figure for the Eagles over the past several seasons. His absence marks a significant shift for the Philadelphia roster as they look to navigate the remainder of the campaign.
The league maintains that it works in coordination with independent doctors and club medical staff to ensure high standards of care. Whether this will satisfy the demands for a formal, independent investigation remains to be seen.
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