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Dak Prescott urges NFL players to prioritize their health
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott encouraged athletes to report health concerns when he addressed Jalen Hurts’s initial blood-clot diagnosis on October 15.
The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve on October 17. On October 19, the team and his agent disclosed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs. Hurts is receiving blood thinners and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
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Hurts’s initial clot was diagnosed in London
Hurts first requested treatment for his calf on October 8 after reporting that he had been cleated during Philadelphia’s October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
An ultrasound performed in London on October 10 revealed a superficial blood clot. According to the Eagles, team medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and cleared him to play against Jacksonville the following day.
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Prescott credited his physical therapist
Prescott explained that his personal physical therapist, Luke Miller, sometimes notices health concerns before Prescott recognizes their importance. He said Miller encourages him to undergo closer evaluations rather than dismissing something that might need attention.
The quarterback used that experience to explain why athletes should develop strong relationships with their medical and training staff. He encouraged players to share their symptoms and concerns, even when they initially believe the problem is minor.
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A follow-up ultrasound changed Hurts’ status
Hurts continued practicing after the initial diagnosis and played against Jacksonville in London on October 11. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown during Philadelphia’s 19-17 defeat.
After returning to the United States, Hurts received additional treatment and practiced fully on Wednesday, October 14. However, a follow-up ultrasound that evening revealed movement in the blood clot, prompting the Eagles to rule him out for their next game.
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Hurts’s absence is expected to extend beyond the IR minimum
Philadelphia placed Hurts on injured reserve on October 17, requiring him to miss at least 4 games. That initial stretch covers Carolina, Dallas, Washington and the New York Giants.
Subsequent testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in his lungs. Hurts is being treated with blood thinners and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
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Tanner McKee takes over at quarterback
With Jalen Hurts sidelined by a superficial blood clot in his calf, Tanner McKee started at quarterback for Philadelphia against Carolina in Week 6 on October 18. McKee threw for 215 yards and one touchdown, but the Eagles lost 25-14 as the Panthers improved to 3-2.
Philadelphia also added quarterback Joe Milton III after signing him from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on October 16. The roster move gave the Eagles additional depth at quarterback while Hurts underwent treatment and prepared for an extended absence.
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Prescott emphasized honest medical communication
Prescott encouraged players to tell their medical staff about symptoms even when they believe the issue is manageable. He explained that sharing information early allows professionals to assess a concern and decide whether further testing or treatment is needed.
He also acknowledged that football’s physical culture can make athletes reluctant to speak up about injuries. His message was that players should not feel embarrassed about reporting a problem, regardless of whether they expect it to affect their availability.
Interesting fact: Jalen Hurts played college football at both Alabama and Oklahoma.
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The Eagles monitored Hurts after his diagnosis
The Eagles said their medical staff remained in contact with the NFL regarding Jalen Hurts’ blood clot and his participation in the London game. The team arranged follow-up imaging after his October 11 game against Jacksonville to monitor the condition.
Hurts received treatment on Monday and Tuesday and practiced fully on Wednesday, October 14. A follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the clot, prompting Philadelphia to rule him out of its October 18 game against Carolina.
Interesting fact: Dak Prescott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
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Hurts had produced eight passing touchdowns
Before being sidelined, Hurts recorded 933 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns and three interceptions across Philadelphia’s first five games of the 2026 season. Those figures represented his production before the Eagles’ Week 6 matchup against Carolina.
Hurts had completed 57.8% of his passes, according to NFL reporting, while Philadelphia entered the game with a 2-3 record. His absence meant the Eagles would need to replace his passing production and his contributions as a mobile quarterback.
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Prescott and Hurts play for NFC East rivals
Prescott plays for the Dallas Cowboys, while Hurts is the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams compete in the NFC East, making their meetings important divisional matchups during the NFL regular season.
The Cowboys and Eagles were scheduled to meet in Week 7, following Philadelphia’s game against Carolina. Hurts’ placement on injured reserve meant he would be unavailable for that matchup, while Prescott’s public comments focused on player health rather than the competitive implications.
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Blood clots require medical evaluation
Superficial vein thrombosis involves a clot in a vein near the skin’s surface. Doctors assess the location and extent of a clot and may use ultrasound to identify involvement of deeper veins.
Hurts was subsequently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs. The Eagles and his agent announced treatment with anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners, and said he cannot participate in contact activities while receiving them.
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Prescott’s advice applies beyond football
Prescott directed his message toward NFL players, but his central advice was relevant to athletes generally: communicate health concerns and avoid dismissing symptoms without proper assessment. His comments highlighted the role of medical professionals in evaluating problems that players may not fully understand themselves.
Professional football involves frequent physical contact, demanding training schedules and travel between cities and countries. Those conditions make communication among athletes, trainers and medical staff an important part of managing player health, although each medical situation requires an individual assessment.
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Hurts’ recovery remains the priority
Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season after doctors diagnosed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs. His treatment involves blood thinners, and he cannot participate in contact activities during treatment.
Prescott’s October 15 message encouraged athletes to report symptoms and communicate openly with medical staff. Philadelphia has turned to Tanner McKee while Hurts focuses on his recovery.
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What do you think about Prescott’s message to NFL players? Share your thoughts in the comments and like this post if you agree that player health should come first.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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