Independent Experts to Review NFL Handling of Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots

Independent medical experts chosen by the NFL and NFL Players Association will examine the circumstances of Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis and provide conclusions and recommendations to both organizations. The NFL described the process in a November 13 response to questions from Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester. The review has not formally begun.

Hurts told the Eagles’ medical staff on October 8 that he had been struck by a cleat during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Before Philadelphia’s Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, an ultrasound detected a clot. He was cleared to play and took part in the game.

A later ultrasound after the team returned home showed the clot had traveled to Hurts’ lungs. Doctors found that he had deep vein thrombosis, along with clots in both lungs, and placed him on injured reserve on October 17. He is likely to be unavailable for the remainder of the regular season and is taking blood thinners. The Eagles and his agent have said they expect him to recover fully and that he can resume contact football after stopping the medication.

The NFL said it has tracked clotting disorders among players for at least a decade through a medical committee subcommittee, sharing the information with the union. After the joint review, the league and union will consider whether further league-wide guidance is needed.

The NFLPA called for a full review on October 20, saying the facts should be established before conclusions are drawn. Under the collective bargaining agreement, the independent physicians must submit a written report within 60 days of their appointment. The NFL and NFLPA must act on the recommendations to address any identified problems.