The NFL and NFL Players Association said in a joint statement on Sunday, October 25, that they are “working together to review the matter” involving Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood-clot treatment.
The announcement followed the union’s request for an investigation earlier in the week. The NFLPA had said it was unaware of any league investigation and had previously been told that none was planned.
According to Front Office Sports, which cited an unnamed source, the parties were discussing the process and details on Sunday. A formal investigation had not yet launched, the outlet reported.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement provides a route for such cases through the NFL and NFLPA’s joint Accountability and Care Committee.
The Review Process Allows for Neutral Medical Experts
A player, team, the league or the NFLPA can initiate an investigation concerning health, safety or medical care provided by team-affiliated personnel.
Under Article 39, two or more neutral physicians or other subject experts must be selected within 60 days of an investigation’s initiation. A written report is then due within 60 days of their selection. Recommendations to address identified issues must be “acted upon by the Parties,” the agreement states.
The Eagles Cleared Hurts After an Ultrasound in London
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2026
In their October 15 statement, the Eagles said Hurts first sought treatment after practice on October 8. He told the medical staff that another player’s cleat had struck his calf during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Hurts practiced fully the next day before traveling to England. An October 10 ultrasound, performed after the team’s arrival and walkthrough, revealed a superficial blood clot in his left calf.
The Eagles said their doctors and specialists in London concluded that activity and mobility were important and that he could safely play. They recommended another ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and return flight.
Hurts played against Jacksonville on October 11. After returning to Philadelphia, he received treatment and practiced again before an October 14 follow-up scan showed movement in the clot, according to the team. He was ruled out against Carolina and subsequently placed on injured reserve.
Goodell Defended the Protocols While Welcoming a Review
NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills defended the Eagles’ medical decision-making on October 20. He rejected suggestions that outside pressures had put Hurts at risk and cautioned against judging the care without access to the patient’s medical information.
At the league’s owners meeting the following day, Commissioner Roger Goodell said the union was entitled to seek an investigation. “We welcome that,” Goodell said, according to ABC News.
“That’s part of our processes. That’s fine.” He also maintained that the medical protocols had been followed and said Sills had reviewed them. Sills said the league had tracked blood-clot cases for at least a decade and shared that information with the players’ association.
Hurts Can Continue Conditioning While Taking Blood Thinners
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, disclosed a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli in their October 19 update. The latter means blood clots in both lungs. They described the 28-year-old as clinically stable, without significant functional limitations.
His treatment involves anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners. The statement prohibits contact activities, including football, while he takes them. It permits him to remain involved with the team and continue conditioning.
“Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” the Eagles and Lynn said. NFL Network reported that Hurts was expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.