The Philadelphia Eagles have more immediate concerns than their disappointing 2-4 record, with questions surrounding Jalen Hurts' medical treatment becoming an increasingly uncomfortable issue for head coach Nick Sirianni.
Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, serious blood-clotting conditions that require treatment with blood thinners.
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The diagnosis has prompted scrutiny of Philadelphia's decision to allow its starting quarterback to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London despite doctors reportedly identifying a superficial blood clot beforehand.
Speaking Monday following the Eagles' 25-14 defeat to the Carolina Panthers, Sirianni repeatedly referred questions about the decision to medical professionals rather than offering a detailed explanation.
The controversy centers on the circumstances preceding Philadelphia's Week 5 matchup against Jacksonville.
Hurts reportedly suffered an injury when he was cleated during the Eagles' October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams, before seeking medical treatment several days later.
An ultrasound in London reportedly identified a superficial clot, but the quarterback received clearance to play against the Jaguars.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hurts remained in hospital until approximately 4 a.m. before the game.
Asked why the Eagles considered it safe for Hurts to participate, Sirianni emphasized the organization's commitment to player welfare.
"The health of our players is always at the forefront of our mind," Sirianni told reporters. "Leave that up to the medical experts. We always, always care deeply about our players."
Eagles coach refuses to explain Hurts decision
The questioning intensified when reporters asked why Hurts had been permitted to take the team flight back to Philadelphia after playing against Jacksonville.
"Again, I'm not a medical expert," Sirianni responded. "We get medical information from our guys, and we always put the players health first and foremost in every situation."
Sirianni also expressed "full trust and full faith" in Philadelphia's medical staff when asked whether the situation should have been handled differently.
However, he declined to identify the medical personnel involved in discussions about Hurts' availability or provide further details about the decision-making process.
Those unanswered questions have become particularly significant because deep vein thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Hurts faces uncertain recovery
The Eagles and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed that the quarterback is clinically stable and receiving treatment for blood clots affecting both lungs.
Doctors expect a full recovery, but Hurts cannot participate in contact football while taking blood thinners.
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Brian Sutterer had previously warned that an initially superficial clot could develop into a more serious condition.
Philadelphia must now attempt to recover from four consecutive defeats without its starting quarterback, who recorded 933 passing yards and eight touchdowns before being sidelined.
Tanner McKee is expected to continue leading the offense when the Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys on October 26.
Although Sirianni maintains confidence in the medical staff, the organization has yet to provide a detailed public explanation of the decisions surrounding Hurts' participation and subsequent travel.
With the quarterback's season potentially over, those questions are unlikely to disappear.