Jalen Hurts Spotted at Eagles Facility Amid Ongoing Recovery
The quarterback attended team and individual meetings after weeks of absence, while the organization faces questions over his medical management.
By Samir Doyle ·
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts returned to the team's practice facility in recent days, marking his first public appearance since being sidelined several weeks ago. The visit provided a tangible update on the 28-year-old's recovery process following a serious medical diagnosis.
According to ESPN reporter Tim McManus, Hurts participated in a team meeting and several individual sessions. He did not address the squad directly but was present for the gathering. Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the interaction, stating he has been in constant communication with the quarterback. Sirianni said he misses Hurts like crazy but noted that the player is resting and recovering. The coach added that the organization is praying for a speedy recovery.
Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb also spoke to the media regarding Hurts' status. McNabb said the two have been in touch and that Hurts is in good spirits. McNabb emphasized that the focus should shift from football to Hurts' life and health, noting that the player is doing well. He stated that all that matters is Hurts' health, which is beyond the game.
Hurts was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 17 after doctors discovered blood clots that had traveled to both lungs. A joint statement from the Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn described him as clinically stable with no significant functional limitations. The statement outlined a treatment plan involving anticoagulation, or blood thinners, which prevents contact activities. The organization expressed confidence in a full recovery with no long-term effects.
The medical timeline remains a point of scrutiny. Hurts was diagnosed with a superficial vein thrombosis on Oct. 10 while in London for an international game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in that contest, which Philadelphia lost 19-17. After returning to the United States, additional scans on Oct. 14 revealed the clot had moved. He was ruled out of the next game against Carolina and officially placed on injured reserve three days later.
NFL rules require injured reserve players to miss at least four games. However, the standard protocol for his condition involves three months of blood thinners, effectively ending his season. This duration limits his ability to participate in contact sports. The team has faced criticism for clearing him to play with the initial diagnosis. NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said the treatment was handled appropriately, though the Players Association has requested a formal investigation. Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed any inquiry, but no specific timeline for that process has been set.
The Eagles' season record stands at 2-6. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee went 0-3 in starts during Hurts' absence. The team has now turned to Joe Milton, a 26-year-old former Dallas Cowboys player, to start. Hurts is under a five-year, $255 million contract extension signed in April 2023. The deal guarantees $179.3 million, includes a no-trade clause, and runs through the 2028 season.
