Jalen Hurts Blood Clot Diagnosis and Return Timeline

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Doctor Chow Addresses Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot, Travel and Recovery Timeline

Questions surrounding Jalen Hurts’ blood clot have focused on when it was discovered, whether he knew about it before traveling to London and what medical protocols were followed.

Doctor Chow explained that the type of blood clot makes a significant difference. A superficial venous clot is less dangerous than a deep vein thrombosis. The initial announcement described a small, superficial clot, but movement or extension of the clot raised concerns. It was later confirmed that the clot was deep and that there were also issues involving his lungs.

According to Doctor Chow, those complications could require three to six months of anticoagulation. He had previously said Hurts was more likely to miss the season than return in Week 7, and the injured reserve designation confirmed that he would not be back that soon.

Doctor Chow said the encouraging news is that Hurts should be able to return. He pointed to the Carolina Panthers’ right tackle, who returned in Week 6 after dealing with blood clots in his lungs and undergoing anticoagulation. There is precedent for returning to play, but Hurts will likely need significant time.

The way the story was reported also prompted questions, particularly details about Hurts not sleeping for 36 hours and traveling by plane. Doctor Chow rejected the suggestion that a physician instructed Hurts not to sleep because doing so would be dangerous. He said that is not part of the protocol, noting that people naturally move while sleeping.

Doctor Chow said Hurts had reportedly been at the hospital until 4 a.m., returned home and may have been restless or slept very little. However, he did not believe the team or a doctor told Hurts that going to sleep was unsafe.

Regarding the flight, Doctor Chow acknowledged that long flights can theoretically be dangerous for someone with a blood clot. However, the level of risk depends on whether the clot is superficial or deep. He said the risk can also be mitigated through anticoagulation, Ted Hose, mechanical measures, ankle pumps and walking during the flight.

Doctor Chow said he did not consider the flight a medical mistake unless the Eagles had ignored the clot and failed to address the potential danger. He found that difficult to believe.

He also emphasized that multiple team doctors travel with the team. According to Doctor Chow, a minimum of three doctors accompanied the Eagles to London for the game.