NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, that the league welcomes an investigation into how the Philadelphia Eagles managed quarterback Jalen Hurts’ medical care following the discovery of blood clots. The announcement followed a formal request for a review by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the union representing the league's players. Goodell noted that the NFL’s chief medical officer had already reviewed the team's actions and expressed confidence that established protocols were followed.
The inquiry centers on events surrounding an Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. On Oct. 10, an ultrasound revealed Hurts had a superficial blood clot in his leg after being cleated in the calf. Eagles medical staff and London-based doctors at the Cleveland Clinic reviewed the results and concluded that mobility was important and that the 28-year-old could safely play. On Monday, Oct. 19, the team and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that the diagnosis had progressed to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning the clot had traveled from his leg to his lungs.
The NFLPA called for the investigation after reports that the league did not plan to issue any punishment to the Eagles. Union officials stated that a full investigation is essential to ensure players receive proper protection. Additionally, U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) sent a letter to Goodell on Wednesday requesting a briefing for her office and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. She cited the death of her husband from similar complications as a reason for her inquiry.
The impact on the Eagles is significant, as Hurts is on injured reserve and expected to miss the remainder of the season. For the player, the day-to-day reality involves the commencement of treatment with blood thinners. He will be barred from all football activities until he is off the medication. The loss of their starting quarterback six games into his fifth season as a starter represents a substantial competitive cost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The investigation will also examine the safety of international travel for players with known vascular issues. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said the decision to allow a patient with a blood clot to fly involves a panel of internal and external experts. What happens next depends on the findings of the review and whether Sen. Blunt Rochester’s request for a congressional briefing leads to further inquiry. No specific deadline for the conclusion of the league's review has been reported.