By Evelyn Limberg, Guest Writer
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely as of Oct. 19, after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs following the initial diagnosis of a blood clot in his left calf.
This diagnosis led to questions about the decision to allow him to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 11, and the risks athletes face when competing with underlying medical conditions.
According to the Eagles, Jalen Hurts informed the medical staff that he had taken a cleat to his left calf after practice on Oct. 8. An ultrasound performed in London on Oct. 10 revealed a superficial blood clot in his calf. After reviewing the results, the medical staff determined that Hurts could safely play.
A follow-up ultrasound later revealed that the clot had traveled. Further testing identified deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots were found in both lungs. Hurts is currently receiving blood thinners and will not be allowed to return to contact football while undergoing treatment. The National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association are reviewing the handling of his diagnosis.
A diagram of the formation of a blood clot.
Blood clots form when the components of blood form a mass inside a blood vessel. While clotting is a necessary bodily process that helps prevent excessive bleeding, abnormal clots can severely interfere with circulation and can stop oxygen from reaching vital organs and tissues.
“Usually, when platelets and proteins in your blood stick together, usually in a gel-like viscosity, this is great for stopping bleeding, but can be bad inside blood vessels,” Xavier University club sports athletic trainer Cassidy Kelien said.
The danger depends on the location of the clot and whether it blocks blood flow to another part of the body. Kelien explained that abnormal blood clots can block the travel of vital blood, oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissue. The consequences also depend on whether the clot is in an artery or a vein and where it travels.
In Hurts’ case, the diagnosis progressed beyond a superficial clot in his calf. DVT involves a clot in a deeper vein, while a pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot blocks an artery in the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms are often life-threatening due to their interference with normal circulation and the strain they place on the heart.
For athletes, physical contact creates further concerns. Football players often experience collisions, muscle contractions and direct impacts that place stress on their bodies. Although the exact cause of Hurts’ clots cannot be determined from the information available to the public, Kelien explained how physical impacts can pose risks when a clot is present.
Injuries are common in professional football and are proven to have significant effects on players throughout their life.
“A direct blow acts as a physical shockwave to the compromised blood vessel and blood clot within,” Kelien said. “The force of the impact, combined with muscle contractions required in football, can break the clot away from the vessel wall and allows it to travel through the bloodstream.”
Treatment can create additional challenges for athletes. Hurts’ treatment involves anticoagulants, which prevent existing clots from growing and new clots from forming. However, these blood thinners also increase the risk of bleeding, which is a major concern in a physical sport.
Kelien explained that blood-thinning medication increases the risk of internal bleeding. It can also increase the risk of bleeding inside the skull, if an athlete sustains another head injury.
Because of these risks, Hurts will not be permitted to participate in contact football until he is no longer taking blood thinners. The Eagles and Hurts’ agent have reported that his prognosis is very good, and they expect a full recovery with no long-term effects.
Hurts’ diagnosis highlights the importance of understanding medical risks behind sports injuries and the role healthcare professionals play in protecting athletes. As the NFL and NFL Players Association review the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ clearance, the case may prompt further discussion about how professional football handles medical conditions and determines when players can safely compete.