Earlier this week, stunning news arrived that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot discovered before the team's London game earlier this month.
ESPN's Tim McManus reported that Hurts was a full participant in Eagles practice last Friday ahead of the Sunday matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He then "played without limitation" in that game, which the Eagles lost, 19-17.
He's been receiving treatment for the superficial blood clot, also known as superficial thrombophlebitis, and practiced fully this past Wednesday ahead of the Panthers game. However, the team revealed that new ultrasound findings led to him being ruled out for Sunday's game.
"On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. Jalen will be out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority," the team's statement said on Thursday.
Amid the concerning health issue Hurts is experiencing, former Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers fullback Michael Robinson shared a controversial take on NFL Network's "NFL Gameday." He suggested, while playing "devil's advocate," that with the Eagles potentially linking their struggles to Hurts, he could be using the injury to distance himself from that blame.
Read more: Ex-NFL Star Draws Major Backlash for Controversial Jalen Hurts Take
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Robert Griffin III, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, fired off his response to Robinson's take calling it "RIDICULOUS."
"The negative narratives around Jalen Hurts have to stop," he wrote in an X message sharing the clip of Robinson.
"Michael Robinson is accusing Jalen Hurts of saying, 'Well if everybody's hurt, I'm hurt, too.' And that Jalen Hurts is 'pulling himself out so that this doesn't look like it's on me.' when Jalen Hurts has a BLOOD CLOT THAT SHOWED MOVEMENT AND COULD BE LIFE THREATENING," Griffin III wrote.
"That’s OUTRAGEOUS @RealMikeRob WHAT ARE WE DOING MAN? I would never expect this from a former player. I wouldn’t expect this from ANYBODY," he wrote, ending with, "Jalen Hurts can’t even have a serious medical condition in peace."
Griffin III was the Washington Commanders' No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and became the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year. Many believed he could become the next superstar quarterback, but unfortunately, a severe knee injury during the Commanders' playoff run and subsequent injuries derailed his career.
Griffin III hasn't played since the Baltimore Ravens released him in early 2021 and has since moved into podcasting and appearances on various Fox Sports programs to share his insights. His calling out of Robinson on X made clear that he believes Hurts' health takes priority over criticism of the Eagles quarterback and the team's struggles.
On Saturday afternoon, an update arrived via NFL Network's Mike Garafolo that the Eagles were placing Hurts on injured reserve.
The Cleveland Clinic provides further details on superficial thrombosis, indicating that it's generally less dangerous than deep vein thrombosis and typically resolves within several weeks of treatment. However, the medical organization also notes that some patients with superficial blood clots can develop deep vein thrombosis, a potentially serious condition.
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