Jalen Hurts returns to Eagles facility after weeks of silence
The quarterback attended meetings but did not speak to the team, as the franchise faces a six-game losing streak and questions over his medical care.
By Amina Yusuf ·
Jalen Hurts has returned to the Philadelphia Eagles practice facility, ending a period of public absence that stretched over several weeks. The 28-year-old quarterback was spotted at the venue and participated in a team meeting along with several individual sessions. He did not address the group directly during his visit.
Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the connection but kept the details minimal. He stated that he and Hurts have been in constant communication and that the quarterback is resting and recovering. Sirianni added that the team is praying for a speedy recovery, noting that there is nothing new to report on the medical front.
Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb provided a personal update, saying he has spoken with Hurts recently. McNabb described Hurts as being in good spirits and doing well. He argued that the focus should shift from football to Hurts' long-term health, stating that his well-being matters more than the sport.
Hurts was placed on injured reserve on October 17 after doctors found blood clots in both of his lungs. A joint statement released by the Eagles and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, described him as clinically stable with no significant functional limitations. The statement predicted a full recovery and noted that he would remain active around the team.
The medical treatment involves anticoagulation, commonly known as blood thinners. This protocol bars Hurts from contact activities, which effectively rules out playing football. While the statement anticipated no long-term effects, the standard treatment period for his condition is at least three months. This timeline suggests his season is likely over, as he must miss at least four games under NFL injured reserve rules.
The situation has drawn scrutiny regarding how the team managed Hurts' condition. He was initially diagnosed with a superficial vein thrombosis on October 10 while in London for a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the diagnosis, he played in the match, which Philadelphia lost 19-17 on a last-minute field goal.
Hurts returned to the United States and continued practicing until additional scans on October 14 revealed the clot had moved. He was ruled out of the game against the Carolina Panthers before being officially placed on injured reserve. Fans and outside medical experts questioned why he was cleared to play with the initial diagnosis, only to develop the more serious pulmonary embolism days later.
The Eagles began the season with two wins before entering a six-game losing streak. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee went 0-3 in the three games he started while Hurts was recovering. The team will now turn to Joe Milton, a 26-year-old former Dallas Cowboys player who attended college at Michigan and Tennessee.
Hurts is in the middle of a five-year contract extension signed in April 2023 worth $255 million. The deal averages $51 million annually, with $179.3 million guaranteed at signing. He has a no-trade clause and is under contract through the 2028 season. He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2029 when the deal voids.
The NFL Players Association requested an investigation after the league's chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, said the treatment was handled appropriately. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomed any formal inquiry. No investigation has been confirmed to have begun as of this week.
