The NFL will not punish the Philadelphia Eagles for how they handled quarterback Jalen Hurts being cleared to play in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. The Athletic first reported the decision, which also found the Eagles did not violate the league's injury report policy.
Hurts, 28, is expected to miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter. He was first diagnosed with a superficial clot in his calf in London, before the 19-17 loss to the Jaguars, and he played that game while attempting 40 passes. Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, and the Eagles said he has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning a clot traveled from his legs to his lungs.
In a statement, the NFL said officials had been in contact with Eagles medical personnel and Cleveland Clinic London throughout Hurts' treatment. League Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills was expected to address reporters at the annual fall meeting in New York. Hurts will undergo blood-thinner treatment expected to sideline him for at least three months. Sources said the clot is considered "provoked," which carries a favorable prognosis with treatment.
Head coach Nick Sirianni declined to detail why Hurts was allowed to play but said "the health of our players is always at the forefront of our mind." The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve three days ago after consulting numerous doctors and experts. Sirianni acknowledged the team will need to transition, saying, "I miss him," as Hurts and he have worked together for six years.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing