Concern is growing over Jalen Hurts' health after the Philadelphia Eagles confirmed that the quarterback would be unavailable for their Week 6 matchup.
The decision came after medical examinations showed that a small blood clot in his leg had moved, prompting the team to reassess his condition.
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According to the Eagles, Hurts first sought treatment for calf discomfort on October 8 after being cleated during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
An ultrasound performed in London before Philadelphia's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars detected a superficial blood clot. Team doctors initially determined that he could safely play, but a follow-up scan on October 14 revealed movement in the clot.
The Eagles subsequently ruled Hurts out against Carolina, stressing that his health and safety were the priority. The team has not announced a return date, as doctors determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Former NFL physician David Chao, known as Pro Football Doc, explained that the word superficial is an important distinction when assessing the situation.
However, he warned that such clots should not be dismissed simply because they are not initially classified as deep-vein thrombosis.
"It's still said to be superficial. Deep vein thrombosis are what is difficult and dangerous. Superficial can progress to deep Right now they're saying superficial. He's clearly missing this game. The Eagles are taking every precaution, but here's the issue."
Chao also raised questions about what caused the clot and whether medication might be necessary. He cautioned that blood thinners could complicate a return to football because of the potential consequences of bleeding following a collision.
Chao added that the cause of the clot must be understood before doctors can determine the best approach.
"What caused it? Was it inactivity on the flight and the cleating and accidental and superficial, or is there now potentially a deeper issue? Does he need to be anticoagulated? If he needs blood thinners, he will be ruled out because of the risk of bleed, especially a hit to the head brain bleed. You can’t have that."
What medical experts say about the risks
Dr. Dinesh Dhanaraj, an orthopedic surgeon who spoke to PhillyVoice, explained that superficial clots can develop after a blow to the leg and are generally less dangerous than deep-vein thrombosis.
However, movement or growth can raise concerns about the clot extending into deeper veins, potentially leading to a pulmonary embolism.
Dr. Alina Mitina, an emergency medicine physician at Hackensack University Medicine, also highlighted the importance of considering both injury and prolonged inactivity when assessing clot risk. The precise cause and treatment for Hurts' condition have not been publicly confirmed.
Medical guidance from the NHS and Mayo Clinic explains that treatment depends on the clot's location and severity. Some superficial clots can be managed with supportive care, while others may require blood-thinning medication and monitoring.
An ultrasound helps doctors assess the clot and distinguish superficial thrombosis from DVT.
Chao warned that recovery could take longer if further treatment is needed: “Until we figure out the cause of this, we won’t know the cure. But anytime a blood clot is involved, it easily could involve multiple weeks. Let’s hope it’s superficial, not deep. Let’s hope it’s not progressing. Let’s hope he doesn’t have to be on long-term anticoagulants, or it could have a huge impact.”
The Eagles have not provided a timetable for Hurts' return. For now, the priority is establishing whether the clot is stabilising and determining the safest treatment plan.
The medical opinions discussed here are general assessments, not a diagnosis of Hurts' individual condition; only the doctors treating him can determine his prognosis.