The NFLPA is calling for a full investigation into the medical care Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received after he was diagnosed with blood clots.
"The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts," the union said in a statement Tuesday, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. "In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care he received. Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward."
The union's comments come after the league publicly backed the Eagles' handling of Hurts' medical process, confirming Philadelphia wouldn't face related discipline. The quarterback was cleared to play in London with a superficial blood clot in his calf but later developed pulmonary emboli in his lungs and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said earlier Tuesday that Monday's reporting about Hurts contained "considerable and uninformed speculation," and Philadelphia's team physicians were subject to "unfounded criticism," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
"Conservative steps were taken to ensure Jalen Hurts' health was always made the first priority and continues to be," Miller told reporters, including ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The blood clot in Hurts' calf was detected a day before Philadelphia's Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The passer was allowed to play and had no injury designation for the matchup. Doctors reportedly told Hurts not to sleep before the game as a precaution, and Hurts stayed awake until early Sunday morning but managed to get some sleep before kickoff.
Hurts flew home with the team and was placed on injured reserve Friday ahead of Philly's game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Eagles then discovered the blood clot had moved, and Hurts has since been diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs.
NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills said the idea that medical decisions regarding players are influenced by external considerations is "nonsense."
Sills added that the safety threshold for flying with superficial blood clots depends on the "nuances of each situation."
Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, said Monday that the quarterback is expected to make a full recovery and should be able to resume contact football activities when he's off blood thinners.
