The NFL and the NFL Players Association have issued a joint statement confirming they are collaborating on a review of the medical handling of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clots. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and other NFL insiders reported the brief but significant statement on October 25, 2026: “The NFL and NFL Players Association are working together to review the matter.”
This marks a notable shift after days of public tension between the league and the players’ union over whether the Eagles followed appropriate protocols when Hurts was cleared to play despite a known clot.
What Happened to Jalen Hurts?
Hurts initially dealt with a calf issue stemming from a game against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles were in London for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, specialists diagnosed him with a left calf superficial vein thrombosis (a surface-level blood clot) on or around October 10.
He was cleared to play and started against the Jaguars on October 11. After returning to Philadelphia, further testing revealed the condition had progressed. On October 19, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, released a joint statement confirming deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli—blood clots in both lungs.
Hurts is clinically stable with no significant functional limitations and is being treated with blood thinners (anticoagulation). He is expected to make a full recovery with no long-term effects, but he cannot participate in contact activities while on the medication and is projected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
NFL Defense and NFLPA Pushback
At the NFL’s fall owners’ meetings, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills defended the Eagles’ medical staff. He described their approach as conservative and patient-focused, dismissing claims of improper external pressure. The league indicated the Eagles would not face punishment and stated they had reviewed the matter sufficiently.
The NFLPA responded with a pointed statement, saying it was unaware of any formal NFL investigation and that the league had previously told the union it did not plan to review the care. The union called for a full investigation before conclusions were drawn, emphasizing player safety and protection.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell later said the league welcomed the NFLPA’s inquiry, noting it is part of the normal process under the collective bargaining agreement. The new joint statement suggests the two sides have moved from public disagreement to a coordinated review.
Why This Matters for Player Safety
Blood clots, particularly when they progress from superficial to deep veins and reach the lungs, are serious. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening if untreated. While Hurts’ prognosis is described as very good, the sequence of events—diagnosis, clearance to play and travel internationally, followed by a more severe diagnosis—has raised legitimate questions about medical decision-making, communication, and protocols for non-concussion injuries.
The joint review process, which appears to draw on mechanisms available under the CBA (including the ability for the NFLPA to pursue independent medical review), is intended to establish a clear factual record. Outcomes could influence future league protocols for vascular issues, travel after certain diagnoses, and the threshold for clearing players to compete.
Current Status and Outlook
As of October 25, 2026, Hurts remains on blood thinners and is expected to stay active around the team while recovering. The Eagles have turned to other quarterbacks in his absence. The collaborative review between the NFL and NFLPA is ongoing, with no timeline yet announced for findings.
This case highlights the ongoing balance the league and union must strike between competitive decisions and long-term player health. Fans and the broader NFL community will be watching closely for the results of the review and any recommended changes to medical practices.
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This article is written in a neutral, factual style optimized for search intent around the breaking joint review news while providing necessary context and timeline for readers. It prioritizes accuracy based on public statements from the league, union, team, and Hurts’ representatives.