Another layer has been added to the Jalen Hurts situation, as the NFLPA released a statement on Tuesday night calling for a full investigation by the NFL.
“The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts. In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care he received.
Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.”
Hurts is sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a deep vein thrombosis and several blood clots in his lungs sustained while the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to London to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Details on the timeline of events and exactly what Hurts and the team knew when have been disputed. At one point, the report was that the quarterback was told to stay awake for 36 hours before taking the field because of his injury. This was later walked back and clarified: he stayed awake but was given a space at the stadium to sleep.
It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the NFL would not be punishing the Eagles, finding that the team handled the situation “appropriately,” according to The Athletic.
Hurts appeared on the Eagles injury report in Week 5 after a calf injury. It was later reported that the Eagles knew that he was dealing with a blood clot in his calf, but still allowed him to play. The team also let him travel back to the United States.
Philadelphia’s statement in Week 5 statement said it was in constant communication with the league about the quarterback’s status, injury, and updates leading up to the game.
Last week, the quarterback underwent further testing, and an ultrasound revealed that the blood clot had moved, and he was ruled out for Week 6. Even further testing this week showed that there were multiple blood clots in his lungs, including a deep vein thrombosis and multiple pulmonary emboli.
This latest diagnosis led to the expectation that Hurts will miss the remainder of the season.