10/21/2026 02:18:00
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10/21 14:16 CDT Roger Goodell says the NFL welcomes a review of how Eagles
handled Jalen Hurts' blood clots
Roger Goodell says the NFL welcomes a review of how Eagles handled Jalen Hurts'
blood clots
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- The NFL welcomes an investigation into the Philadelphia
Eagles' handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots after the players' union asked for
one, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday.
Goodell said in his news conference at the end of the NFL's annual fall meeting
that Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, has gone through the
steps that were followed and added that the union had a right to call for a
review.
"Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were
incredibly good there," Goodell said. "The protocols were followed. Our process
is to make sure that's the case, and our chief medical officer has gone through
that, so we're comfortable that what we've seen in the protocols have happened."
Sills on Tuesday offered a passionate defense of the Eagles medical staff. The
NFL said officials were in touch with team doctors and trainers, as well as the
Cleveland Clinic in London.
League executive vice president Jeff Miller said officials had a good sense of
the course of events. He disputed a report that Hurts was awake for more than
30 hours before playing against Jacksonville on Oct. 11, saying that the QB
returned to the hotel and slept for roughly seven or eight hours.
Hurts is on injured reserve and expected to miss the rest of the season after a
blood clot in his left calf traveled to his lungs. The Eagles and agent Nicole
Lynn said Monday that Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary
embolisms. Hurts' treatment involves blood thinners, and he will not be allowed
to participate in any football activities until he is off them.
Goodell downplayed the role that international travel may have had in the
situation.
"The most important thing here is Jalen's health, ultimately, and the future of
him," Goodell said. "He's a wonderful young man: not just a great player, but
he's someone we all care deeply about. I'm more worried about his health,
ultimately, but the protocols were followed."
Sills said Tuesday the decision to allow someone with a blood clot to fly
depends on several variables, including the location, a patient's history and
more.
"What I can tell you is expert people getting a lot of opinions," Sills said.
"This isn't just one doctor saying yay or nay. You're going to poll a panel of
experts both within the team and outside the team to get the best judgment and
experience with a particular condition."
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