NFL and NFLPA to jointly review handling of Jalen Hurts blood-clot diagnosis

The NFL and the NFL Players Association have announced a joint review of the handling of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood-clot diagnosis, saying in a joint statement on Sunday that they are “working together to review the matter” (Reuters).

The announcement marks a change of course: the union said last Tuesday that the league had previously informed it that it did not plan to review the care Hurts received, and it called then for a “full investigation” into what happened before he took the field (Reuters).

Hurts, 28, was placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the rest of the season after a “superficial” blood clot in his left calf became a deep vein thrombosis that resulted in blood clots in each lung. He will not be allowed to take part in any football activities until he is off blood thinners.

The Eagles have said Hurts suffered the injury after taking a cleat to his calf against the Los Angeles Rams on 4 October. He informed the team’s medical staff after practice on 8 October, returned to practice the next day, and played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on 11 October despite the discovery of the superficial clot.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s chief medical officer, Dr Allen Sills, defended the Eagles and the NFL on Wednesday at league meetings in New York, saying all necessary protocol was followed with Hurts’ health as the central focus.

Hurts, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the MVP of Super Bowl LIX, has completed 57.8% of his passes for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts this season, with a 2-3 record.