After NFLPA pushback, NFL reverses course to investigate Jalen Hurts blood clot case
Medical care under review
The review concerns the Eagles’ Week 5 trip to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. An ultrasound in London on Oct. 10 found a superficial clot in Hurts’ calf, and the team said its medical staff and London-based doctors determined he could safely play.
NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills defended the care at the owners’ meetings. Sills said claims that outside factors would lead physicians to put a player in danger were “nonsense.” Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomed the union’s call for an investigation.
Accounts differed on review
The NFL and NFLPA have since begun communicating about a joint investigation. NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo said the sides were working out the logistics, describing the effort as a major undertaking.
Union has separate authority
Under Article 39, Section 5(f) of the collective bargaining agreement, the NFLPA can launch an investigation without the league participating. A jointly conducted review suggests the union has not yet used that option. That leaves the NFL involved in examining a case involving the Eagles’ handling, which league officials have already defended.
Key points
- The NFL and NFLPA are jointly investigating Hurts’ medical care in London.
- An Oct. 10 ultrasound found a superficial clot in Hurts’ calf.
- The Eagles said doctors determined Hurts could safely play.
- The NFLPA can investigate independently under the collective bargaining agreement.