The Philadelphia Eagles are facing uncomfortable questions about their handling of Jalen Hurts’ medical emergency. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is still struggling to understand why the quarterback played against the Jacksonville Jaguars after an initial diagnosis of a superficial blood clot. Hurts is now expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after follow-up examinations revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.

Garafolo questioned the decision-making process surrounding Philadelphia’s Week 5 game in London, particularly the timeline leading into kickoff. According to his account, Hurts spent hours at a local hospital. He then returned to the team hotel around 3-4 a.m., and was summoned again by 11 a.m. That sequence raised concerns about whether the quarterback had adequate rest before playing. Hurts skipped pregame warmups and carried the ball just twice in the Eagles’ 19-17 loss, adding another layer of uncertainty to the circumstances.

From @gmfb on the Jalen Hurts blood clot, trying to fill in some gaps and why we still have questions that need to be answered. pic.twitter.com/GqXCvYENNs

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 20, 2026

“I keep coming back to nobody at any point up to and including Jalen Hurts himself said, ‘You know what, maybe this isn't a good idea,’” Garafolo said.

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Philadelphia has relied on medical clearance, but the questions surrounding the decision are unlikely to disappear. With head coach Nick Sirianni offering limited public comment, scrutiny over the Eagles’ communication and medical protocols is growing.

Hurts’ 2026 season began with promise before unraveling amid offensive struggles and now a serious health crisis. Across five starts, he recorded 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Eagles are currently in a four-game losing spiral, including that frustrating defeat to Jacksonville in London. The subsequent discovery of more serious blood clots has abruptly ended Hurts’ campaign. It has shifted the team’s focus from fixing its offense to protecting its franchise quarterback’s long-term health.