NFL Tells Senator Independent Experts Will Review Eagles' Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Case

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will have the handling of his blood clots reviewed by independent medical experts, Tim McManus of ESPN reported.

The NFL described the review in a response to Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, who questioned the league in October.

"As outlined by the league and NFLPA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, mutually agreed-upon independent medical experts will review the matter and share their conclusions and recommendations with both parties," said Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president of communications, public affairs and health policy, in a statement released Friday by Blunt Rochester's office. "Following the ongoing joint review, the League and NFLPA will consider appropriate next steps, including whether this case points to a need for additional league-wide guidance."

"For at least the past decade, the NFL has tracked clotting disorders among players every season through a subcommittee of its General Medical Committee, and this information is shared with the NFLPA," Miller said.

The joint review has not formally started while the league and the union work out its parameters.

The collective bargaining agreement gives the neutral physicians 60 days from their selection to issue a written report. Both sides must then act on any recommendations to address and correct problems.

The NFL Players Association has not invoked Article 39, which permits a formal union probe into medical care from club-affiliated staff.

Doctors discovered several clots in the 28-year-old's lungs in October, and he is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. The three-time Pro Bowler is the fourth-leading passer in Eagles history and was MVP of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hurts was cleated in the calf Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams and told the medical staff Oct. 8. An ultrasound in London on Oct. 10 found a superficial blood clot.

He played in a 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a follow-up ultrasound in Philadelphia showed the clot had moved.

The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve Oct. 17, and his diagnosis was updated to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Because he is taking blood thinners, he cannot play football or take part in any other contact activity.

"Jalen's prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery," agent Nicole Lynn and the Eagles said in a joint statement in October. "We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners."

"I'm grateful for an update on the NFL's review of Mr. Hurts' diagnosis and for information on the League's efforts to track clotting disorders in its athletes," Blunt Rochester said in a statement Friday. "While I appreciate the NFL's transparency, I encourage its leadership to use this moment to increase awareness of DVT and PE to better protect its players and support public health."

"We welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, and find ways to support your efforts around raising awareness and improving outcomes related to blood clot disorders," Miller wrote.

Hurts put up 933 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 107 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown this season. He completed 57.8% of his passes. 

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023. However, there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

A talented runner and thrower, Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes.