NFL

NFLPA Demands Full Investigation Into Jalen Hurts' Medical Care

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 21, 2026, 06:51 IST

The NFL Players Association has called for a formal investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles' handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis, challenging the league's defense of the medical process.

NFLPA Demands Full Investigation Into Jalen Hurts' Medical Care

The NFL Players Association has formally requested a comprehensive investigation into the medical treatment provided to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. This demand follows recent comments from the league’s chief medical officer, Allen Sills, who defended the medical protocols surrounding the quarterback’s recent health crisis. The union’s statement directly contradicts reports suggesting the league has no intention of reviewing the Eagles' decision-making process regarding Hurts' participation in the Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In a pointed response to the league’s stance, the NFLPA emphasized that the organization has not been informed of any active investigation into the matter. The union asserted that the league had previously indicated it did not plan to review the care Hurts received. According to the NFLPA, a full inquiry is necessary to establish the facts and ensure that player safety remains the highest priority, noting that conclusions regarding the handling of the situation should not be drawn until a thorough investigation is completed.

League Defends Medical Protocols Amidst Controversy

The controversy stems from the discovery that 28-year-old Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Medical reports indicate that a blood clot traveled from the quarterback's leg to his lungs. The situation has drawn intense scrutiny regarding why the Eagles permitted him to play in London after an initial ultrasound on October 10 revealed a superficial blood clot.

During the league’s owners meetings, Dr. Allen Sills defended the medical staff, describing the Eagles' approach as patient-focused and appropriately guarded. Sills dismissed suggestions that external factors influenced the decision to play, labeling such notions as nonsense. Jeff Miller, the NFL executive vice president overseeing player health and safety, echoed these sentiments, characterizing public speculation about the team's decision-making as uninformed and unfounded. The league maintained that it coordinates extensively with local medical resources for international games, including those in London.

Eagles Maintain Faith in Medical Staff

The Eagles previously stated that their medical team, in consultation with London-based physicians, concluded that activity was safe for the quarterback following the initial ultrasound. However, a follow-up examination in Philadelphia last Wednesday revealed that the clot had moved, leading the team to rule him out for the subsequent game against the Panthers. Sources have indicated that the condition is considered provoked, likely resulting from a calf injury sustained earlier.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has expressed full faith in the team's medical experts, noting that the same staff has been responsible for the health of the roster for years. While acknowledging the difficulty of moving forward without his starting quarterback, Sirianni emphasized that the health of his players remains the primary concern. As the team prepares for a transition, the focus remains on the quarterback’s recovery and the ongoing questions regarding the medical oversight that allowed him to take the field in London.