Why Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Played Through a Blood Clot

NFL and NFLPA Partner to Review Jalen Hurts’ Medical Care in London

The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) are collaborating on a joint review regarding the medical care provided to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ahead of the team’s international matchup in London. Following conflicting reports surrounding the quarterback’s sleep and overall condition prior to kickoff, the two organizations released a joint statement confirming that they are working together to review the matter.

Early reports claimed that Hurts had gone without sleep for 36 consecutive hours before taking the field in London. However, Hurts’ agent subsequently clarified the timeline, confirming that the quarterback was able to sleep after returning to the team hotel and managed to get additional rest at the stadium prior to the contest.

Medical Evaluations and Protocol Gaps

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, happened to be in London that weekend and facilitated a medical evaluation for Hurts at the Cleveland Clinic. The American-owned private medical facility operates as an official sports medicine provider for the NFL’s slate of games in the United Kingdom.

While the NFL maintains strict, established protocols governing concussions, extreme heat conditions, and emergency preparedness for games both in the United States and abroad, Sills acknowledged during a press conference that the rulebook does not cover scenarios like Hurts’. Despite the absence of a designated league protocol for these circumstances, Sills defended the actions of the medical staff, noting that those who managed Hurts’ care were incredibly conservative and emphasizing that he had complete confidence in how the Philadelphia Eagles organization handled the entire sequence of events.

Union Scrutiny and Shift to Joint Investigation

The situation escalated quickly following Sills’ public remarks. The NFLPA pushed back, publicly demanding a comprehensive investigation into the events and asserting that the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care [Hurts] received. The union’s insistence highlighted growing concerns regarding player welfare and oversight during demanding overseas trips. The subsequent release of the joint statement marks a shift, ensuring both the league office and the players’ union will examine the procedures and decisions surrounding Hurts’ preparation and care.

Why This Matters

As the NFL continues to expand its international footprint with regular-season games staged in London and other global destinations, player health, travel logistics, and medical protocols face heightened scrutiny. This joint review between the league and the NFLPA could identify existing gaps in player wellness guidelines—specifically concerning travel-related fatigue, severe sleep disruption, and non-concussion medical assessments abroad—potentially leading to the creation of formal oversight rules for future international games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Jalen Hurts go without sleep for 36 hours before playing?

While initial reports suggested Hurts was awake for 36 hours straight ahead of the London game, his agent clarified that the quarterback did sleep at the team hotel following his return, and rested again once at the stadium.

What type of care did Jalen Hurts receive in London?

NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills arranged for Hurts to be evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, an American-owned private hospital in London that serves as an official sports medicine supplier for the NFL’s international series.

Why are the NFL and NFLPA reviewing the situation?

Although the NFL has protocols for issues like heat and concussions, Dr. Sills acknowledged there is no specific protocol for situations like this. After the NFLPA called for an inquiry when the league initially declined to review Hurts’ care, both entities agreed to join forces to conduct a formal review.