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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will have his blood clot case examined by independent medical experts, according to a report from ESPN's Tim McManus. The NFL disclosed this development in a letter responding to Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, who had raised concerns with the league in October.
In a statement released Friday by Blunt Rochester's office, Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president of communications, public affairs and health policy, explained that under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association, mutually agreed-upon independent medical experts will review the matter and provide their conclusions and recommendations to both parties. Miller added that after the joint review concludes, the league and union will consider appropriate next steps, including whether the case suggests a need for additional league-wide guidance.
Miller also noted that for at least the past decade, the NFL has monitored clotting disorders among players each season through a subcommittee of its General Medical Committee, and this information is shared with the NFLPA. The joint review has not yet formally begun while the league and the union finalize its parameters. Per the CBA, the neutral physicians have 60 days from their selection to issue a written report, and both sides must then act on any recommendations to address and correct problems. The NFLPA has not invoked Article 39, which would allow a formal union investigation into medical care provided by club-affiliated staff.
Doctors discovered multiple clots in the lungs of the 28-year-old Hurts in October, and he is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. The three-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth in Eagles history in passing yards and was named MVP of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hurts sustained a cleat injury to his calf on Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams and informed the medical staff on Oct. 8. An ultrasound in London on Oct. 10 revealed a superficial blood clot. He played in a 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a follow-up ultrasound in Philadelphia showed the clot had moved. The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve on Oct. 17, and his diagnosis was updated to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Because he is taking blood thinners, he cannot play football or participate in any other contact activity.
"Jalen's prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery," agent Nicole Lynn and the Eagles said in a joint statement in October. "We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners."
Senator Blunt Rochester welcomed the update, stating, "I'm grateful for an update on the NFL's review of Mr. Hurts' diagnosis and for information on the League's efforts to track clotting disorders in its athletes. While I appreciate the NFL's transparency, I encourage its leadership to use this moment to increase awareness of DVT and PE to better protect its players and support public health." Miller responded, "We welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, and find ways to support your efforts around raising awareness and improving outcomes related to blood clot disorders."
This season, Hurts recorded 933 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 107 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown while completing 57.8% of his passes. The Eagles signed him to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023, though little guaranteed money remains on the deal after the 2026 season. In 2025, Hurts threw for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns, ran for 421 yards and eight scores, and completed 64.8% of his passes.
Key Analysis
The independent review underscores the NFL's commitment to player safety and transparency, especially regarding medical conditions like blood clots. Senator Blunt Rochester's involvement highlights the growing scrutiny on league health protocols and the push for greater awareness of DVT and PE. With Hurts' prognosis positive, the case may lead to enhanced guidance and monitoring across the league, ensuring players receive optimal care.
Originally reported by yahoo.