NFL and players' union open joint review of how Eagles handled Jalen Hurts' blood clot

The NFL and the NFL Players Association have opened a joint review of the medical care Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received for a blood clot. FOX 29, CBS Philadelphia and NBC10 all reported that the league and the union announced the review together in a statement on Sunday.

The announcement followed a demand for an inquiry from the union earlier that week, the three outlets reported. Citing the Associated Press, FOX 29 said investigators are examining the timing of the diagnosis and the games Hurts played after it.

Hurts is now on injured reserve, and the outlets said he is not expected to return this season. On Monday, the Eagles and Nicole Lynn, his agent, disclosed that he has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis along with blood clots in both lungs, known as bilateral pulmonary emboli. According to CBS Philadelphia and NBC10, a clot that began in his left calf had moved to his lungs.

His treatment includes blood thinners. Until that medication ends, he may not take part in any football activity, according to the reports.

The Eagles have laid out how the injury unfolded. As CBS Philadelphia and NBC10 reported, the team said an opposing player's cleat hit Hurts near the calf during an Oct. 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts reported the problem to team doctors following practice on Oct. 8, returned to practice a day later and then flew with the team to London.

While in London, specialists initially found a superficial vein thrombosis, a clot near the surface, in the quarterback's left calf, the outlets reported. The Super Bowl 59 MVP went on to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11.

Earlier in the week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was open to an investigation. CBS Philadelphia and NBC10 reported that his comments came after Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, forcefully backed the Eagles' medical staff. FOX 29 reported that Sills described the team's evaluations as thorough and said standard procedures were followed.

Goodell offered his own defense on Wednesday. "Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there," he said, according to CBS Philadelphia and NBC10.

The commissioner also stated, "The protocols were followed," adding that the league's top medical official had examined the case.

The outlets did not say how long the joint review is expected to take or what it will involve.

Compiled by True News from reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia, CBS Philadelphia and NBC10 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/448