On Monday, reports revealed that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season due to blood clots found in his lungs. Following this news, Leger Douzable, a former NFL player and current CBS Sports analyst, criticized the Eagles’ management of the situation. Douzable’s primary concern was how the organization handled Hurts’ health and the message it conveys to future players considering joining the team.
Douzable questioned whether the Eagles prioritize player safety over winning. He highlighted a general concern among players approaching free agency about how teams treat their own homegrown talent. “If you’re treating a guy who’s brought you a Super Bowl like this, how are you gonna treat me when I join the team?” he speculated future players might think.
According to ESPN, Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Despite the diagnosis, he played in that game as Eagles medical staff deemed it safe. However, follow-up tests showed the clot had moved, resulting in Hurts being ruled out for a game against the Panthers. He was subsequently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni defended the team’s medical personnel, stating player health is always their priority. However, Douzable argued the Eagles should not have allowed Hurts to play, regardless of his willingness. “This is 100 percent on the Philadelphia Eagles,” Douzable said, “It’s disturbing they allowed the face of the franchise, or any player, to play in this situation.” He added, “Someone should’ve said, ‘Jalen, we love that you’re a competitor, but we’re not gonna put you at risk.'”
Douzable noted his criticism hinged on the reported facts being accurate. His concerns raise challenging questions for the Eagles’ front office, coaching staff, and medical team about their approach to Hurts’ health and the implications it might have for current and potential players.