Eagles coach defends handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots diagnosis: What to know

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni defended the team's handling of Jalen Hurts' medical condition at a press conference on Monday, where he faced questions about the team's decision to play him on Oct. 11 despite knowing he had a blood clot and was on limited rest.

Hurts, 28, will not be able to participate in football activities while he is on blood thinner medications to treat blood clots in both his lungs, the team said in a joint statement with Hurts' agent Monday.

The statement did not provide a timeline for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback's return to the field.

"The health of our players is always at the forefront of our mind," Sirianni said.

Sources told ESPN that Hurts was hospitalized in London until 4 a.m. on Sunday, before the Eagles played the Jacksonville Jaguars in the international game on Oct. 11.

Sirianni said the decision to play Hurts was left up to the team's medical experts.

"I'm a football coach. I lean on our medical experts in every situation. I have full trust and full faith in them. It's not just me that has major care for our players; it's them as well," Sirianni added.

Sirianni repeatedly expressed confidence in the team's medical staff, saying "the same doctors and trainers that helped 21 of our 22 starters be available in the Super Bowl are the same guys today that deeply care about our guys to help them."

The Eagles head coach also faced questions about the decision to fly Hurts home despite knowing about a blood clot.

"We get medical information from our guys, and we always put the players' health first and foremost in every situation," he said.

What to know about blood clots

Hurts' extended absence from the Philadelphia Eagles has put a spotlight on blood clots and how they can grow into a more serious, potentially life-threatening health issue.

The news that blood clots had spread to Hurts' lungs -- a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli -- comes just days after the Eagles announced publicly on Oct. 15 that Hurts would be sidelined due to a superficial blood clot.

Superficial blood clots, or blood clots that are close to the skin, rarely travel to the lungs, according to ABC News' medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton, a board-certified emergency medicine physician who is not involved in Hurts' care.

"The question is, where did these clots come from," Sutton said Monday of Hurts' diagnosis of bilateral pulmonary emboli. "Being fit, young and physically active and healthy doesn't eliminate your risks for many reasons."

Sutton said that some risks that could increase the likelihood of a superficial blood clot traveling to the lungs include prolonged immobility or prolonged travel, an injury or inflammation or inherited genetic risk factors.

Pulmonary embolism can be serious, potentially causing permanent damage to the lung, low oxygen levels in the blood and damage to other organs in the body from not getting enough oxygen. 

Here is a timeline of Hurts' injury, according to statements provided by the Eagles organization.

Timeline of Hurts' injury

Sunday, Oct. 4 -- Hurts is "cleated" during a game against the Rams in Philadelphia.

Thursday, Oct. 8 -- Hurts informs the Eagles' medical staff that he was cleated during the Rams game and receives treatment for a calf injury.

Friday, Oct. 9 -- Hurts receives more treatment and practices in full with the team.

Friday, Oct. 9 -- Saturday, Oct. 10 -- Hurts travels to London with Eagles team.

Saturday, Oct. 10 -- Hurts undergoes an ultrasound that reveals a superficial blood clot.

Saturday, Oct. 10 -- Sunday, Oct. 11 -- Sources told ESPN that Hurts was hospitalized in London until 4 a.m. on Sunday.

Sunday, Oct. 11 -- Hurts plays in the Eagles' 17-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars; The team immediately travels home following the loss.

Monday, Oct. 12 -- Hurts receives medical treatment.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 -- Hurts receives medical treatment.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 -- Hurts practices in full with the team; A follow-up ultrasound done in the evening shows movement in the small blood clot.

Thursday, Oct. 15 -- Eagles announce Hurts will not play in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Sunday, Oct. 18 -- Hurts is absent from the sidelines of the Eagles' loss to the Panthers.

Monday, Oct. 19 -- The Eagles and Hurts' agent announce the quarterback has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli and will be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time.

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