Former Chargers doctor warns that Jalen Hurts' blood clot could become a deep-vein thrombosis
Dr. David Chao, who served as the San Diego Chargers' team physician, said the term “movement” in the Eagles' update on quarterback Jalen Hurts' clot could indicate a deep-vein thrombosis, which may keep the player out for weeks or months.
Former San Diego Chargers physician Dr. David Chao said the Philadelphia Eagles' description of "movement" in quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clot is the key factor in assessing how long the player may be sidelined. The team announced that a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a clot that was initially described as superficial when first detected on a flight to London.
"What do they mean by movement? Do they mean it is propagating and becoming a larger superficial clot, or does it mean it has moved deeper and become a deep-vein clot? If he has a deep-vein clot, he's out for multiple weeks at least," Dr. Chao told OutKick.
He explained that superficial clots can shift without becoming dangerous, but a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) often requires several weeks of treatment and carries a risk of pulmonary embolism, which could end Hurts' season.
"If it is a deep-vein thrombosis it starts to be measured in months, not weeks," he added.
Dr. Chao also noted that treatment with strong anticoagulants, which would be necessary for a DVT, typically precludes a player from returning to competition because of bleeding risks, including potential internal organ or brain bleeding. He said the Eagles' handling of Hurts' travel after the initial diagnosis could affect the clot's progression, but without details on any preventive measures taken during the flight, the situation remains uncertain.