Roger Goodell Confirms NFL Openness to Investigation on Jalen Hurts Medical Care
NFL Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday that the league accepts an investigation into how the Philadelphia Eagles handled medical care for quarterback Jalen Hurts following his deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism diagnosis, espn.com.mx reported. The evaluation follows a formal request from the NFL Players Association regarding the timeline and clearance protocols that allowed Hurts to play in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
NFLPA Request and League Position on Protocol Compliance
The NFLPA pushed for an inquiry after reports surfaced that the league did not plan to discipline the Eagles for clearing Hurts to play. In a public statement, the players’ union emphasized that it had received no prior notice of a league-led review and argued that an exhaustive examination must occur before drawing conclusions. Goodell countered that Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills reviewed the steps taken and confirmed the league maintains confidence in its protocols. “Obviamente, hubo una evaluación médica, y creo que nuestros protocolos fueron increíblemente buenos en ese aspecto”, Goodell stated, adding that the union possesses every right to request such a review under the collective bargaining agreement.
Hurts Sustains Calf Injury Before London Ultrasound
Hurts sustained a calf injury on October 4, during a game against the Los Angeles Rams after receiving a cleat stomp, which sources described as a provoked blood clot. He reported the injury on October 8 and resumed practicing before the team flew to London to face the Jaguars. An ultrasound performed in London on October 10 identified a superficial blood clot in his left calf. Medical staff from the Eagles and the Cleveland Clinic en Londres analyzed the results and cleared him to play, concluding activity and mobility were safe. Following the game, further testing in Philadelphia revealed the condition had advanced to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism, meaning a clot traveled from his leg to his lungs. Hurts was placed on the reserve-injured list and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Defenses from Team Leadership and Medical Staff
Dr. Allen Sills defended the team’s medical personnel on Tuesday, calling any suggestion of outside pressure on physicians a fallacy and noting that decisions relied on a panel of internal and external experts. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed full confidence in the medical staff, pointing out that the same group helped make 21 of 22 starters available for the previous Super Bowl. Goodell also downplayed the impact of international travel on the medical outcome, emphasizing that player health remains the primary concern for the office.
Questions About Jalen Hurts Blood Clot Diagnosis
When was Jalen Hurts diagnosed with a blood clot in London?
An ultrasound on October 10 revealed a superficial blood clot in his left calf prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What specific medical condition forced Jalen Hurts to miss the rest of the season?
Subsequent testing in Philadelphia diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels from the legs to the lungs.
Who requested the official investigation into the medical handling of Jalen Hurts?
The NFL Players Association formally requested the review after reports indicated the league initially planned no disciplinary action against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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