Former Pro Bowler questions Eagles' explanation of Jalen Hurts blood clot
Former NFL player Michael Robinson suggested the timing of quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood-clot injury may benefit the Philadelphia Eagles, while teammates and opponents defended the player.
The Philadelphia Eagles placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on the inactive list for Sunday’s game after a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in a superficial blood clot that was first detected on Oct. 4. The team said the clot formed when Hurts was cleated during a loss to the Los Angeles Rams and has not given a timeline for his return.
Former Pro Bowl fullback Michael Robinson, now an analyst for NFL Network, said on "NFL Gameday Kickoff" that the injury’s timing could be convenient for the Eagles, which are amid a three-game losing streak and several roster changes, including the retirement of right tackle Lane Johnson. Robinson added that the team’s recent acquisition of multiple draft picks could motivate a move toward a new quarterback.
"They're incentivized to go into the draft and maybe look for a quarterback," Robinson said.
"It looked like they were trying to pin the outcome of this season on a Jalen Hurts just so that they could have an excuse later on to move on from Jalen Hurts."
Robinson emphasized that he is not a medical expert and was merely playing "devil’s advocate" when he questioned the seriousness of the clot.
Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailita, speaking to a local Philadelphia station, praised Hurts’ leadership and composure, noting the quarterback’s effort in the recent London game that ended in a last-second loss.
"It just shows you what kind of leader he is. He persevered to play in that game for us. One of his major qualities is just being poised and in control of everything at all times," Mailita said.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott also commented on the health risk, describing blood clots as frightening, especially after long flights.
"It's scary when you get things like that. Blood clots, you're talking about someone's life, especially with the plane trip and all that they took," Prescott said.
The Eagles have dealt with numerous injuries this season, including the retirement of Lane Johnson, the trade of center Cam Jurgens, and injuries to left guard Landon Dickerson, running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith. The team listed 24 players on the latest injury report, roughly half the roster.