Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III has sent a message of support to Jalen Hurts after the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was diagnosed with blood clots that will keep him out for the rest of the regular season.
Walker knows how serious the situation can be, having suffered a pulmonary embolism involving blood clots in both lungs during his high school years.
Hurts’ diagnosis has raised concerns over how the Eagles handled his condition after he played against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite initially being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Kenneth Walker III urges Jalen Hurts to focus on recovery
Hurts was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot ahead of Philadelphia’s game against Jacksonville in London. The Eagles’ medical staff determined he was fit to play, but he was reportedly instructed not to sleep the night before the game, leaving him awake for 36 consecutive hours before taking the field.
The situation became more serious when it emerged that the blood clots had spread to Hurts’ lungs. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the regular season as he began his recovery.
Walker was shocked by the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ appearance against Jacksonville.
Speaking to reporters, the Chiefs running back reacted to the quarterback’s travel and playing arrangements before offering words of encouragement.
Walker said: “He went on the flight, huh? And everything? Yeah, that’s crazy.”
He then shared a message for the Eagles star: “Just stay positive. Do all the things necessary that you need to do to get your body back right. I’ll be praying for him, because that’s not something we should take lightly.”
Walker’s own experience helps explain why he stressed the importance of taking the diagnosis seriously.
Blood clots can pose significant health risks, and the running back has dealt with a similar medical emergency himself.
Hurts is now taking blood thinners as he works towards a full recovery. Philadelphia must also find a way to compete without its starting quarterback for the remainder of the regular season.
The Eagles have struggled recently and are looking to end a four-game losing streak against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Hurts’ health remains the priority after a worrying episode that has drawn scrutiny towards the team’s handling of his condition.
For Walker, the message was clear: Hurts must focus on his recovery and avoid taking unnecessary risks with his health.
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