Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni objected to questions surrounding the health of quarterback Jalen Hurts after the team's statement, co-signed by Hurts' agent, detailed the progression of his blood clots that resulted in bilateral pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in both of the quarterback's lungs.
Hurts' prognosis is good and he is expected to make a full recovery, the statement, which was released on Monday, Oct. 19, said.Still, Siranni did not deny that Hurts' season is over, which was reported earlier in the day but not included in the team's statement. The coach was asked later Monday for Hurts' reaction to news that he would not play again this year while speaking with reporters, but Siranni said he would keep that conversation private.
"The health of our players is always at the forefront of our mind," Sirianni said. "We always care deeply about our players."
Did Jalen Hurts sleep after blood clot diagnosis?
On Monday, The Ringer reported that Hurts did not sleep for 36 hours prior to playing in the Oct. 4 London game between the Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars; that report was amended when Nicole Lynn, Hurts' agent, clarified that he did sleep at the stadium before the game.
"I think we've talked about that," Sirianni said when asked about Hurts playing despite the lack of rest. "You go through the game plan the way you do every single week. Everything in that game plan was thought through that entire week. And then you're also thinking about the things going into the game as well. I don't think that had any effect on how we game planned or anything like that."
Sirianni reiterated that he was not a medical expert and that he relies on the advice of the team's staff.
"I lean on our guys in all those situations ... I have full trust and full faith in them," he said. "It's not just me that has major care for our players. It's them as well. ... I'm glad to be part of an organization that cares about the guys the way our guys do."
More: How did Jalen Hurts' blood clot get worse? A Harvard professor explains
Why did Jalen Hurts fly home from London with blood clot?
The coach was then deliberately asked why Hurts was allowed to fly home despite being diagnosed with a superficial blood clot. A testy exchange with a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter ensued.
"We've put out a statement – we've put out multiple statements – for you guys to hear," said Sirianni, adding that he would not address the topic further.
Forthrightness evaded Sirianni again when he was asked who, specifically on the medical staff, was part of the pregame conversations regarding Hurts' availability.
"I understand that you want this information on this," Sirianni said. "I fully trust the people that are involved in helping us all make these decisions. And we have great people here."
He pointed out that the medical and training staff include the same individuals that helped the Eagles stay healthy in 2024, which included 21 of 22 Week 1 starters playing in the Super Bowl en route to the organization's Super Bowl 59 victory. Once again, Sirianni said players' health at forefront of the organization's mind. He said his relationships with the players are special because of the care they all have for each other.
"That, again, goes down to our connection and our team," Sirianni said. "It kind of feels like you're questioning that. I understand that you guys have a job to do.
"We care deeply about our guys."
Asked about how Hurts is handling the diagnosis, Sirianni said he wanted to keep that private.
"I can just say to you, I haven't been without Jalen for an extended period of time. I have the utmost confidence in (backup quarterback Tanner McKee). I miss him ... because Jalen and I have been together as head coach and quarterback for six years ... I don't want to speak for him in any sense of the matter."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Jalen Hurts fly with blood clot? Nick Sirianni defends Eagles decision